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MAURICE  FRANCIS  EGAN,  LL.D. 
Catholic  University  of  America 

JULIAN  HAWTHORNE 

Literary  Editor 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

BY 

TORQUATO   TASSO 


TRANSLATED   BY 

EDWARD    FAIRFAX 


EDITED   BY 

HENRY    MORLEY,    LL.D. 

LATE    PROFESSOR   OF   ENGLISH    LANGUAGE    AND    LITERATURE   IN 
UNIVERSITY   COLLEGE,    LONDON 


REVISED    EDITION 


NEW    YORK    AND     LONDON 

THE    CO-OPERATIVE    PUBLICATION  SOCIETY 


COPYRIGHT,  1901 
BY  THE  COLONIAL  PRESS 


INTRODUCTION 

TORQUATO  TASSO  was  born  at  Sorrento  on  March  u, 
1544,  and  died  in  Rome  on  April  25,  1595,  aged  fifty- 
one.  He  belonged  to  an  old  family  of  Bergamo,  and 
was  a  poet's  son.  His  father  Bernardo  Tasso,  full  fifty  years 
old  at  the  time  of  his  son's  birth,  had  then  been  for  thirteen 
years  in  the  service  of  Ferrante  Sanseverino,  Prince  of  Salerno, 
and  had  married  in  1536  the  beautiful  and  spiritual  Porzia  de' 
Rossi,  of  the  house  of  the  Marquises  of  Calenzano.  Their  son 
Torquato  was  first  educated  at  schools  of  the  Jesuits  in  Naples, 
Rome,  and  Bergamo.  They  were  the  best  schools  of  the  time. 
At  eight  years  old  the  boy  read  Greek  and  Latin,  and  had  begun 
to  write  Italian  verse.  Then  he  was  in  Pesaro  for  a  time,  shar- 
ing the  education  given  to  the  son  of  the  Duke  of  Urbino.  After 
this  he  was  for  a  year  in  Venice  with  his  father,  and  then,  at  the 
age  of  thirteen,,  he  was  sent  to  study  law  at  Padua. 

Bernardo  Tasso,  the  father,  shared  the  troubles  of  his  patron, 
the  Prince  of  Salerno,  who  in  1550  incurred  the  displeasure  of 
the  Emperor  Charles  V,  for  seeking  support  from  the  King  of 
France  while  urging  on  the  Emperor  the  pleadings  of  the  Nea- 
politans against  establishment  of  the  Inquisition  in  Naples. 
Ferrante  Sanseverino  was  in  1552  declared  a  rebel,  his  estates 
were  forfeited,  and  he  was  exiled  from  Salerno.  Bernardo  Tasso 
lost  at  the  same  time  his  income  of  900  scudi,  and  what  little 
possessions  he  had,  except  the  poem  on  Amadis  that  he  had 
begun.  He  left  Salerno  and  went  to  France,  leaving  his  wife 
and  children  to  the  care  of  relatives.  After  two  years  in  France, 
Bernardo  Tasso  joined  his  prince  in  Rome,  and  sent  for  his  son 
Torquato;  his  wife  and  daughter  then  entering  a  convent  at 
Naples.  Torquato  Tasso  wrote  a  little  sonnet  to  his  mother 
on  their  parting.  Political  feuds  parted  Bernardo  Tasso  from 
his  wife's  relations.  He  never  could  see  his  wife  again — she 
died  heart-broken  in  1556 — and  his  daughter  was  denied  to  him: 
she  was  married  at  fifteen.  Rome  became  an  unsafe  place  for 
the  father  when  Emperor  and  Pope  fell  out,  but  shelter  was 

2041580 CIa98ira'  v* 


iv  INTRODUCTION 

offered  to  him  at  Pesaro  by  a  liberal  patron  of  literature,  the 
Duke  of  Urbino,  Guidobaldo  II,  and  it  was  thus  that  Torquato 
Tasso  was  taught  with  the  Duke  of  Urbino's  son,  Francesco 
Maria  della  Rovere. 

Bernardo  Tasso's  poem,  "  L'Amadigi  di  Francia,"  founded 
on  the  first  and  best  of  the  Spanish  romances  of  chivalry,  "  Ama- 
dis  of  Gaul,"  was  begun  with  encouragement  from  his  patron, 
Sanseverino,  and  was  planned  in  stanzas  of  octave  rhyme 
on  a  scale  as  large  as  that  of  Ariosto's  "  Orlando  Furioso,"  of 
which  the  first  forty  cantos  had  been  published  in  1515.  Ari- 
osto's death  was  in  January,  1533,  eleven  years  before  the  birth 
of  Torquato  Tasso.  Bernardo  Tasso's  "  Amadigi  "  was  first 
published  at  Bergamo  in  1555,  when  his  son  Torquato  was  a 
boy  of  eleven.  The  "  Amadigi  "  had  been  two  years  before  the 
public  when  Torquato,  poet  born,  went  from  a  rhymer's  home 
<to  study  law  at  Padua.  This  was  a  year  after  his  mother's 
death.  At  Padua  he  studied  little  law,  much  Dante,  and  wrote 
verse.  His  father's  long  romance  in  verse  told  of  the  loves  of 
Amadis  and  Oriana,  with  interwoven  love-stories  of  Floridante 
and  Floridora,  and  of  Alidoro  and  Miranda.  It  was  followed 
by  nineteen  cantos  of  a  separate  poem  of  "  Floridante,"  worked 
out  of  the  episode  in  the  "  Amadigi,"  and  including  a  repetition 
of  eight  of  its  cantos  with  little  change.  "  Floridante  "  was 
left  unfinished,  and  published  by  the  son  after  the  father's 
death. 

It  was  of  little  use  for  such  a  father  to  dissuade  his  son  from 
writing  verse.  Young  Tasso,  while  a  student  at  Padua,  but 
eighteen  years  old,  printed  at  Venice  in  1562  an  epic  poem  in 
twelve  books  on  one  of  Ariosto's  heroes,  "  Rinaldo."  The 
poem  was  written  in  ten  months,  was  praised  throughout  Italy, 
and  found  more  readers  than  Bernardo's  "  Amadigi."  In  the 
"  Amadigi  "  musical  verse  and  grace  of  expression,  with  abun- 
dant supply  of  battles,  combats,  and  love-passages,  could  not 
atone  for  want  of  skill  in  twisting  the  threads  of  the  fable.  The 
success  of  his  son's  "  Rinaldo  "  satisfied  Bernardo  Tasso  as  a 
crowning  argument  against  continuance  of  the  law  studies. 
Free  way  was  made  for  literature  and  philosophy,  and  already, 
while  student  at  Padua,  Torquato  Tasso  resolved  upon  the 
poem  which  became  his  masterpiece,  and  of  which  this  volume 
contains  the  best  English  translation. 


INTRODUCTION  v 

Meanwhile  Bernardo  Tasso,  in  the  year  of  the  publication  of 
"  L'Amadigi  "  at  Bergamo,  had  published  at  Venice  "  I  tre  libri 
degli  Amori,"  and  had  published  at  Venice,  also  in  1560,  "  Inni, 
Ode  e  Salmi,'*'  two  years  before  the  appearance  of  his  son's 
"  Rinaldo." 

Torquato  Tasso  left  Padua  to  continue  studies  of  philosophy 
and  literature  at  Bologna.  There  he  began  to  write  the  poem 
on  the  capture  of  Jerusalem  by  the  Crusaders,  which  had  been 
resolved  upon  at  Padua.  At  Bologna  he  was  suspected  of  the 
authorship  of  satirical  verses  that  attacked  himself  as  well  as 
others.  They  amused  him;  and  his  good-will  to  them  caused 
his  papers  to  be  seized  and  searched.  Nothing  was  found 
against  him,  but  his  annoyance  caused  him  to  leave  Bologna 
for  Modena,  whence  he  was  recalled  to  Padua  by  his  kinsman 
and  friend,  Scipione  Gonzaga,  who  was  there  founding  an  acad-. 
emy.  Tasso  was  then  zealous  in  study  of  Plato's  philosophy, 
and  he  afterward  himself  wrote  dialogues  in  Plato's  manner. 
By  the  time  that  he  was  two-and-twenty  Torquato  Tasso  was 
formally  attached  to  the  service  of  the  great  Italian  house  of 
Este,  whose  history  he  glorified  in  his  "  Jerusalem  Delivered  " 
(canto  xvii.  st.  66-94),  as  shown  in  the  shield  given  to  Rinaldo; 
Rinaldo  being  represented  as  himself  of  the  Este  family. 

The  ancient  stem  of  Este  had  divided  in  the  eleventh  century 
into  a  German  branch  and  an  Italian  branch.  A  German  Este- 
Guelf — Welf  IV — was  invested  in  the  year  1070  with  the  Duchy 
of  Bavaria;  from  him  the  houses  of  Brunswick  and  Hanover 
and  the  present  royal  family  of  England  are  descended.  The 
brother  of  that  Guelf  was  Fulco  I,  who  founded  the  Italian 
family  of  Este.  Albert  of  Este  was  Marquis  of  Ferrara  in  the 
year  1400.  The  rule  of  the  Este  family  extended  along  the 
Marches  of  Ancona,  and  afterward  they  added  Modena  and 
Reggio  to  their  domains.  Alfonso  I  of  Este,  who  died  in  1535, 
had  been  a  friend  to  Ariosto.  It  was  he  who  had  for  his  second 
wife  Lucrezia  Borgia.  His  successor,  Ercole  II,  had  married  a 
daughter  of  King  Louis  XII  of  France;  and  the  successor  of 
Ercole  II  in  Ferrara  was  Alfonso  II,  who  has  a  large  place  in 
the  story  of  Torquato  Tasso. 

The  cardinal  Luigi  d'Este,  brother  of  Alfonso  II,  invited  the 
young  poet  to  Ferrara,  where  he  gave  him  the  rank  of  noble  as 
a  cavaliere  of  the  court.  That  was  in  1565.  In  the  next  year 


vi  INTRODUCTION 

there  was  the  marriage  of  the  Duke  Alfonso  II  with  Barbara, 
daughter  of  the  Emperor  Ferdinand  I,  who  had  taken  in  1555 
the  throne  resigned  by  his  brother,  Charles  V.  While  the  wed- 
ding festivities  were  afoot  the  Pope  died — Pius  IV,  who  had 
been  a  cardinal  de'  Medici.  The  cardinal  Luigi  d'Este  went  to 
Rome  to  take  part  in  the  election  of  another  pope,  and  Tasso, 
then  twenty-two  years  old,  stayed  behind,  much  liked  by  the 
duke  and  his  new  duchess,  and  by  the  duke's  sisters,  Lucrezia — 
who  afterward  became  Duchess  of  Urbino — and  Leonora 
d'Este.  Young  as  he  was,  Tasso  had  won  for  himself  the  first 
place  among  Italian  poets,  and  he  was  the  son  of  a  poet  who 
perhaps  ranked  first  among  the  minor  singers  between  Ariosto 
and  Torquato  Tasso.  Young  Tasso,  with  religious  earnestness, 
keen  sensibility,  and  grace  of  song,  won  easy  welcome  at  a 
court  where  literature  was  in  high  esteem.  The  Duke  of  Fer- 
rara  encouraged  Tasso  to  go  on  with  his  epic.  In  September 
1.569  the  elder  Tasso  died  in  his  son's  arms.  In  his  last  years 
he  had  found  rest  as  chief  secretary  to  the  Duke  of  Mantua, 
and  he  was,  at  the  end  of  his  life,  Governor  of  Ostiglia. 

In  1571  Torquato  Tasso  went  to  Paris  with  his  patron,  the 
cardinal  Luigi  d'Este.  There  he  established  friendship  with 
the  poet  Ronsard,  twenty  years  his  senior,  and  was  presented 
to  Charles  IX  as  "  the  poet  of  Godfrey  and  other  French  heroes 
who  distinguished  themselves  at  the  siege  of  Jerusalem."  He 
had  then  written  eight  or  nine  cantos  of  his  poem,  and  his  age 
was  twenty-seven. 

Upon  his  return,  Tasso  was  separated  by  religious  opinions 
from  the  service  of  the  cardinal  d'Este,  but  was  easily  received 
into  the  patronage  of  the  duke,  who  gave  him  a  yearly  pension 
of  180  gold  crowns,  and  required  of  hiin  no  personal  service. 
In  1573  he  produced  at  the  ducal  cou/t  in  Ferrara  his  pastoral 
play  of  "  Aminta,"  the  fame  of  which  spread  beyond  Italy,  and 
confirmed  the  reputation  won  by  his  "  RinJdo."  The  lyric 
beauty  of  "  Aminta  "  allied  the  literature  of  the  day  in  Italy  to 
the  new  development  in  Tasso's  time  of  the  art  of  music.  Mean- 
while, Tasso  was  steadily  proceeding  toward  the  close  of  his 
"  Goffredo,"  and  had  completed  eighteen  cantos  in  1574,  when 
he  was  struck  down  by  fever.  There  was  nothing  in  Torquato 
Tasso's  life  before  this  fever  to  indicate  that  his  keen  nervous 
sensibility  had  passed  the  bounds  of  health  and  grown  into  dis- 


INTRODUCTION  vii 

ease.  With  difficulty  recovering  the  threads  of  his  argument, 
Tasso  finished  his  poem — which  he  then  called  "  Geoffredo  " — 
at  the  age  of  thirty.  Our  English  Spenser,  about  nine  years 
younger  than  Tasso,  was  then  a  graduate  still  studying  at 
Cambridge. 

While  the  great  poem  was  being  finished,  and  the  poet's 
health  was  weak,  Alfonso  II  increased  his  favors.  He  enter- 
tained Tasso  as  a  guest  in  his  villa  at  Belriguardo.  The  duke's 
sister  Lucrezia  gave  him  change  of  air  with  friendliest  welcome 
in  the  castle  of  Durante,  by  Urblno.  When  separated  from  her 
husband  and  returned  to  her  brother,  she  would  have  had  th^ 
poet  always  of  her  household.  And  the  time  was  come  when 
he  could  be  much  aided  by  the  friendohip  of  women,  for  the 
troubled  mind  was  growing  restless  with  vain  fears  that  came 
and  went. 

At  first  he  had  much  anxiety  about  the  orthodoxy  of  his 
poem.  It  must  be  submitted  to  the  Pope  for  strict  examination. 
He  must  go  to  Rome,  against  the  advice  and  wish  of  the  duke 
and  the  ladies,  who  sought  to  detain  him.  Leave  was  unwill- 
ingly given,  and  he  went  to  Rome,  where  his  kinsman,  Scipione 
Gonzaga,  introduced  him  to  that  cardinal  de'  Medici  who  after- 
ward became  Grand  Duke  of  Tuscany.  The  cardinal  invited 
Tasso  to  enter  his  service,  and  Tasso  went  so  far  toward  accept- 
ance of  the  invitation  that  he  fretted  himself  with  fear  lest  he 
might  be  regarded  as  a  traitor  at  Ferrara.  He  went  back  and 
was  kindly  received.  But  his  distress  of  mind  increased.  He 
had  been  submitting  his  poem  in  manuscript  to  the  criticism 
of  friends,  and  paid  minute  attention  to  all  the  poor  and  positive 
suggestions  made  by  men  who  were  no  poets  for  improvement 
of  a  poet's  work.  This  would  have  worried  a  sane  man,  if  a 
sane  man  could  have  brought  such  trouble  on  himself.  Then 
he  suspected,  and  thereby  provoked,  hostilities;  he  thought 
himself  surrounded  by  enemies  who  plotted  against  him;  he 
thought  that  the  Inquisition  would  pronounce  his  poem  to  be 
heretical.  This  disease  of  mind  raised  active  quarrels,  by  one 
of  which  Tasso  made  an  enemy  who  set  upon  him  in  the 
market-place;  but  the  poet  was  a  good  swordsman,  and  put  his 
attacker  to  flight.  At  last,  his  tendency  to  such  delusions  caused 
Tasso  in  the  chamber  of  fhe  Duchess  of  Urbino  to  draw  his 
dagger  against  a  servant  whom  he  suspected  of  design  to  poison 


viii  INTRODUCTION 

him.  For  this  he  was  placed  under  arrest  for  a  few  days  in  his 
own  chamber,  and  the  excess  was  forgiven.  Then  he  fancied 
himself  an  unpardonable  heretic.  The  duke  introduced  him  to 
the  chief  of  the  Inquisition  at  Ferrara,  who,  after  making  show 
of  strict  examination,  satisfied  the  sick  mind  with  a  certificate 
of  orthodoxy.  But  the  need  of  direct  ministration  to  a  mind 
diseased  h«d  become  so  clear  that  Tasso  was  placed  for  medical 
treatment  in  the  Franciscan  convent  at  Ferrara. 

Suspecting  the  monks  of  a  design  to  poison  him,  he  escaped 
from  them  next  day,  leaving  all  his  papers  behind  and  having 
very  little  money  with  him.  In  shepherd's  disguise  he  went 
to  his  sister  Cornelu ,  then  become  a  widow.  She  had  not  seen 
him  since  their  childhood.  He  feigned  to  her  that  he  was  a 
messenger  from  her  brother,  whose  life  was  in  danger  from 
the  enemies  by  whom  he  was  beset.  She  fainted,  and  her  emo- 
tion gave  him  faith  in  her.  He  staye'd  for  some  months  under 
her  care,  then  pleaded  for  leave  to  go  back  into  the  duke's  ser- 
vice at  Ferrara.  He  was  received  again  in  1578,  but  was  not 
satisfied.  In  calmer  hours,  with  pen  in  hand,  he  still  had  the 
full  use  of  his  genius,  but  the  sick  fancies  that  had  prompted 
once  the  drawing  of  a  dagger,  and  the  apparent  impossibility 
of  getting  his  assent  to  friendly  care  over  his  health,  had  so  far 
altered  his  relations  with  his  friends  at  Ferrara,  that  Tasso's 
next  delusion  was  to  look  upon  the  duke  as  an  enemy  who  did 
him  wrong. 

He  broke  away  again,  went  to  Mantua,  wandered  from  place 
to  place  in  North  Italy,  and  found  rest  for  a  short  time  in  Turin 
with  Carlo  Ingegneri,  who  was  afterward  the  first  publisher  of 
his  yet  unpublished  poem.  The  archbishop  and  Duke  Carlo 
Emanuel  also  received  Tasso  hospitably  at  Turin. 

Next  year  he  went  suddenly  back  to  Ferrara.  The  duke  was 
occupied  with  preparations  for  his  marriage  to  Margherita  Gon- 
zaga,  his  third  wife.  Tasso  came  to  him  full  of  the  irritations 
of  his  sick  mind,  resented  the  neglect  of  his  complaints,  and  his 
delusions  turned  them,  as  often  happens  in  such  cases,  with  all 
their  force  against  his  friend.  Especially  this  happens  where,  as 
in  Tasso's  case,  the  insane  delusions  spring  up  in  a  mind  still 
capable  of  work  along  the  lines  within  which  the  disease  has 
not  yet  crept.  Again  and  again  the  cruel  malady  is  found  in 
such  cases  to  pervert  some  old  love  toward  wife  or  friend.  Who 


INTRODUCTION  ix 

that  has  lived  long  has  not  known  such  cases?  Tasso  now 
poured  out  his  wrath  against  the  duke  as  his  chief  enemy,  de- 
tailed imagined  injuries,  and  as  he  was  reputed  in  Italy  to  be 
as  valiant  with  the  sword  as  with  the  pen — "  Colla  penna  a 
colla  spada  nessun  val  quanto  Torquato,"  had  been  said  of  him — 
his  insanity  seemed  dangerous  to  the  duke,  who  at  last  used 
his  authority  to  place  him  in  a  lunatic-asylum — St.  Anne's  Hos- 
pital for  lunatics — where  he  would  be  under  absolute  restraint. 

To  all  Italy  it  was  a  grief  that  her  chief  poet  should  be  in  a 
lunatic-asylum.  Tasso  was  not  denied  the  use  of  his  pen,  and 
was  still  able  to  make  good  use  of  it  when  following  lines  of 
thought  that  were  not  crossed  by  his  delusions.  Still  he  be- 
lieved himself  to  be  in  the  hands  of  poisoners;  sometimes  he 
thought  himself  to  be  under  magic  spells.  He  wrote  appeals 
for  his  deliverance  from  bondage  to  Pope  Gregory  XIII,  to 
Cardinal  Albani,  to  the  Grand  Duke  of  Tuscany,  to  the  Duchess 
of  Urbino,  to  the  Countess  of  Mantua,  to  the  Emperor,  and  to 
the  Inquisition.  Intercession  was  made  by  his  native  town  of 
Bergamo,  that  sent  a  deputation  of  its  citizens.  But  the  Duke 
of  Ferrara  remained  firm  in  the  belief  that  Tasso's  insanity  had 
made  him  dangerous.  When,  after  seven  years  in  the  asylum, 
the  poet  was  set  at  last  free  on  the  intercession  of  Vicenzo  Gon- 
zaga,  Prince  of  Mantua,  he  was  given  into  the  care  of  Vicenzo 
Gonzaga  upon  his  promise  to  keep  such  good  watch  that  the 
duke  Alfonso  should  be  in  no  danger  from  Tasso's  insane  pas- 
sion against  him. 

There  has  been  a  sentimental  fancy,  much  discussed,  that  has 
taken,  no  doubt,  a  firmer  hold  upon  belief  since  the  greatest  of 
the  German  poets  founded  upon  it  his  play  of  "  Torquato 
Tasso."  It  is  that  Tasso  was  shut  up  in  the  lunatic-asylum 
because  he  had  aspired  to  the  hand  of  the  duke's  sister  Leonora. 
There  is  no  solid  evidence  whatever  upon  which  this  fancy 
rests.  It  was  in  March,  1579,  that  Tasso  was  placed  in  the 
asylum.  Leonora  died  after  a  long  illness  in  1581  at  the  age 
of  forty-three;  but  Tasso  was  not  released  from  Santa  Anna 
until  1586. 

It  was  a  real  vexation  to  Tasso  to  learn  in  his  confinement 
that  his  "  Goffredo,"  as  the  poem  was  first  called — whence  Fair- 
fax's title,  "  Godfrey  of  Bulloigne  " — had  been  badly  misprinted 
at  Venice.  The  revised  edition  of  it,  with  its  name  changed 


X  INTRODUCTION 

to  "  Gerusalemme  Liberata,"  was  published  at  Parma  in  1581, 
and  there  were  not  fewer  than  six  editions  of  it  in  that  year. 
How  could  Italians  read  such  a  poem  and  not  seek  the  deliv- 
erance of  its  writer  from  a  lunatic-asylum,  while  he  still  had, 
in  many  an  hour,  his  genius  at  command,  and  wrote  wise 
thoughts  in  prose  or  verse  within  hearing  of  the  cries  of  lunatics 
about  him?  In  1582  Tasso's  lyrics  were  revised  and  re-edited 
for  him  by  the  poet  Battista  Guarini,  who  was  then  at  the  Court 
of  Ferrara. 

Set  free  in  July,  1586,  Torquato  Tasso  was  received  with 
great  honor  in  Mantua,  where  he  finished  for  the  press  his 
father's  "  Floridante,"  published  it  in  1587,  and  revised  his  own 
tragedy  of  "  Torrismondo."  Next  year  he  visited  his  native 
town,  and  went  also  to  Rome,  where  Scipione  Gonzaga — now 
become  Patriarch  of  Jerusalem — and  others  received  him  so 
well  that  he  had  new  hopes,  of  which  nothing  came.  The  dis- 
ease was  rooted  in  him,  though  less  fierce  in  its  attacks.  In 
Santa  Anna  he  had  considered  himself  to  be  molested  by  a 
troublesome  spirit  who  stole  his  money,  hid  his  keys,  and  tossed 
his  papers  out  of  order.  Now  he  received  imaginary  visits  from 
a  courteous  spirit  with  whom  he  was  sometimes  heard  to  talk. 
He  thought  also  that  his  mental  disease  had  been  healed  mirac- 
ulously by  a  visit  from  the  Virgin  Mary.  In  1588  he  tried  to 
recover  property  of  his  mother's,  from  which  he  had  been  shut 
out  by  her  relations,  and  which  was  not  obtained  until  the  last 
year  of  his  life.  He  found  hospitality  in  Rome,  in  Florence, 
Mantua,  Naples,  but  was  nowhere  trusted  with  an  office  that 
would  give  him  independent  means,  and  was  not  the  less  rest- 
less and  suspicious  for  being  distressed  by  poverty  and  sickness. 

When  this  was  his  condition,  Tasso  set  to  work  upon  a  new 
revision  of  his  "  Gerusalemme  Liberata,"  which  he  completed, 
and  marked  by  giving  to  the  revised  poem  a  distinct  name  as 
"  Gerusalemme  Conquistata."  He  published  this  in  1593,  and 
said  in  a  letter  that  men  would  come  to  be  thought  fools  who 
did  not  see  how  much  better  the  poem  was  in  its  new  form. 
But  that  last  revision  has  been  set  aside,  as  giving  evidence, 
even  in  work  of  his  best  genius,  that  Tasso's  mind  was  losing 
its  best  powers.  To  the  same  time  belongs  also  Tasso's  poem 
on  the  "  Seven  Days  of  Creation " — "  La  Sette  Giornate  del 
Mondo  Creato." 


INTRODUCTION  xi 

At  last  a  new  patron  was  found  in  the  cardinal  Cinzio  Aldo- 
brandini,  nephew  of  Pope  Clement  VIII,  who  invited  Tasso  to 
come  to  Rome  and  be  crowned  laureate  in  the  capitol.  Tasso 
reached  Rome  in  November,  1594.  Weather  was  then  ill  suited 
to  an  outdoor  festival,  and  also  the  cardinal  was  ill.  The  cere- 
mony was  therefore  put  off  till  the  next  April.  Tasso  recovered 
at  this  time  enough  of  his  mother's  dowry,  through  the  Pope's 
intervention,  in  a  yearly  rent-charge  from  Prince  Avellino,  who 
held  his  mother's  estate.  The  Pope  also  settled  upon  him  a 
pension  of  200  crowns.  But  he  was  wrecked  as  he  came  into 
harbor.  During  that  winter  his  health  wholly  failed,  and  on 
April  ist  he  went  into  the  monastery  of  St.  Onofrio,  that  he 
might  die  with  pious  care  about  him.  He  died  in  the  very 
month  of  April,  which  was  to  have  been  the  month  of  his  cor- 
onation in  the  capitol  as  the  Italian  laureate.  Cardinal  Cinzio 
came  to  him  in  the  hour  of  his  death,  on  April  25,  1595,  with 
the  Pope's  benediction.  "  This,"  said  Tasso,  "  is  the  crown 
with  which  I  hope  to  be  crowned.  It  is  not  the  glory  of  the 
poet's  laurel,  but  the  glory  of  the  blessed  in  heaven."  He  died 
at  the  age  of  fifty-one,  twenty  years  after  the  completion  of  those 
works  by  which  he  won  his  place  with  the  great  poets  of  Italy. 
He  was  buried  in  the  church  of  the  convent  of  St.  Onofrio,  un- 
der a  plain  slab,  inscribed  only 

"  Hie  JACET  TORQUATUS  TASSUS." 

Tasso's  "  Gerusalemme  Liberata  "  is  a  more  regular  epic  than 
the  great  poem  of  Ariosto,  which  preceded  it.  "  Orlando  Furi- 
oso  "  was,  in  forty-six  cantos,  a  poet's  dream.  Its  distinct  fan- 
cies played  through  one  another  with  a  lively  grace,  in  lines 
as  delicate  as  might  be  traced  by  an  enchanter  for  the  moving 
figures  on  a  magic  shield.  Ariosto's  poem  was  begun  as  a  con- 
tinuation of  Bojardo's  "  Orlando  Innamorato."  Orlando — 
Roland — was  enamoured  of  the  fair  heathen,  Angelica,  daugh- 
ter of  Galaphron,  King  of  Cathay.  Where  Bojardo  broke  off, 
Ariosto  began ;  and  although  a  new  life  stirred  in  his  verse,  that 
separated  Ariosto's  poem  from  his  predecessor's  both  in  form 
and  substance,  yet  the  want  of  a  beginning  would  be  a  defect 
in  epic  treatment  of  an  action,  if  the  action  otherwise  were  one. 
But  there  is  want  also  of  unity.  The  search  for  Angelica  runs 
through  some  twenty  cantos.  Then  follows  the  madness  of 


xii  INTRODUCTION 

Orlando,  caused  by  discovering  that  she  is  married  to  Medoro. 
This  yields  a  romance  of  great  deeds  done  by  the  mad  Paladin. 
At  last  Orlando's  reason  is  brought  back  to  him  in  a  bottle 
from  the  moon,  and  snuffed  in  through  the  nose.  Ariosto  did 
not  aim  at  the  production  of  an  epic.  With  a  fine  spirit  of 
raillery,  that  played  with  the  theme  in  which  he  took  and  gave 
delight,  Ariosto  brought  the  freshness  of  a  new  life  into  contact 
with  an  older  world  of  thought.  He  flashed  into  the  old  life  a 
radiance  of  youth  by  the  warmth  of  his  hand-grasp.  Crude 
marvels  of  a  romance  of  chivalry  that  had  idealized  the  loves 
and  wars  and  superstitions  of  the  Middle  Ages,  were  touched 
by  the  new  spirit  that  laughed  at  their  absurdity,  while  it  de- 
lighted in  the  opportunities  they  offered  to  the  artist.  In  the 
higher  literature  of  Europe,  Ariosto's  romance  begins  a  new 
epoch  as  with  a  farewell  festival,  in  which  the  young  world  has 
set  all  its  lamps  alight  that  it  may  cheerfully  bid  godspeed  to 
the  old. 

It  was  an  absolute  farewell.  In  the  lower  literature  of  Europe 
old  forms  are  repeated  by  a  herd  of  imitators,  but  the  men  of 
genius  who  are  the  voice  of  life  for  their  own  time,  kindle  from 
height  to  height  new  beacon-fires  to  stir  successive  generations 
to  the  war  for  truth.  Spenser,  inspired  in  his  youth  by  Ariosto, 
planned  a  romance  similar  in  outward  form,  but  wholly  different 
in  spirit.  He  made  it  significant  of  all  the  conflicts  of  the  time 
in  which  he  lived,  and  of  the  struggle  to  achieve  the  highest 
hopes  of  man.  He  was  not  only  an  artist  who  delighted  in  the 
picturesque  imaginations  of  the  past,  but  an  Englishman  who 
battled  for  the  future.  Tasso's  "  Jerusalem  Delivered  "  came  to 
him  at  the  beginning  of  his  work  as  another  of  the  great  poems 
of  Italy,  then  newly  published,  and  might  seem  to  him  as  a  link 
between  "  Orlando  Furioso  "  and  his  "  Faerie  Queene."  Tasso's 
poem  was  religious,  the  work  of  a  good  Catholic;  Spenser's, 
the  work  of  an  active  Protestant  reformer.  How  far  the  details 
of  Tasso's  after-interpretation  of  the  allegory  of  his  poem — 
which  will  be  found  at  the  close  of  this  volume,  in  Fairfax's 
translation — were  in  his  mind  while  writing  it,  may  be  open 
to  some  question.  But  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  he  had,  while 
writing,  a  broad  sense  of  the  Battle  of  Life,  figured  by  the  Holy 
War  and  all  the  difficulties  that  delayed  the  capture  of  Jerusa- 
lem. If  it  was,  as  I  think,  no  after-invention  that  made  Godfrey 
stand  for  the  guiding  power  of  Reason,  and  Rinaldo  for  the 


INTRODUCTION  xiii 

Combatant  Power  in  affairs  of  life,  there  was  distinct  approach 
of  Tasso  to  the  manner  of  the  "  sage  and  serious  Spenser," 
whom  Milton  dared  "  be  known  to  think  a  better  teacher  than 
Scotus  or  Aquinas." 

But  Tasso's  poem  differed  from  Spenser's  as  from  Ariosto's, 
in  being  a  carefully  planned  epic.  It  has  one  action,  the  siege 
of  Jerusalem;  great  in  itself,  and  in  its  consequences,  from  the 
poet's  point  of  view.  This  stood  in  Tasso's  poem  as,  in  the 
"  Iliad,"  the  siege  of  Troy ;  and  this  gave  its  name  to  the  poem, 
rather  than  Godfrey,  as  at  first  designed.  Jerusalem  was  Tasso's 
Ilion.  To  name  the  poem  after  Godfrey  would  be  like  naming 
the  "  Iliad  "  after  Agamemnon.  The  chief  hero  of  Tasso's  ac- 
tion is  not  Godfrey,  but  Rinaldo.  His  anger,  like  the  anger  of 
Achilles,  for  a  time  withdraws  him  from  the  siege.  The  tempta- 
tions of  Armida  have  so  obvious  a  significance  that  their  main 
features  were  used  by  Spenser  with  little  change  to  crown  the 
allegory  of  his  second  book. 

A  charm  that  Tasso  shares  with  Ariosto  and  with  Spenser 
lies  in  the  sweet  music  of  his  verse,  and  in  his  purity  of  style.  In 
Ariosto's  time  there  was  no  widespread  corruption  of  style  by 
excess  of  ornament.  Tasso  was  more,  and  Spenser  most,  open 
to  temptation  of  a  fashion  that  required  elaboration  of  speech 
with  simile  and  metaphor,  with  classical  allusions,  and  all  figures 
of  rhetoric.  But  Spenser  set  aside  the  fashion  of  his  day,  and 
looked  back  with  reverence  to  the  simplicity  of  Chaucer's  Eng- 
lish. He  made  that  his  model.  Tasso — the  pure  music  of 
whose  "  Aminta  "  was,  almost  in  his  own  day,  neglected  for 
the  more  ingeniously  conceited  "  Pastor  Fido  "  of  Guarini — 
told  his  story  of  "  Jerusalem  Delivered  "  in  clear  musical  stan- 
zas, free  from  all  rhetorical  exaggeration,  and  from  all  labor 
after  ingenious  tricks  ot  thought. 

Fairfax,  a  good  poet,  but  not  a  great  one,  could  not  repro- 
duce this  exquisite  simplicity.  He  translated  into  English  verse 
after  the  manner  01  his  own  vigorous  time,  adorning,  as  he 
went,  with  interwoven  figures  of  speech,  and  bits  of  classical 
mythology.  More  than  once  he  made  Aurora  rise  with  a  blush 
out  of  the  bed  of  Tithonus,  as  his  neighbor  poets  did  in  Eng- 
land when  they  said  that  it  was  morning,  but  as  Tasso  never 
did.  Sometimes  he  would  seek  to  strengthen  an  image.  When 
Tasso  said  that  a  hero  was  like  Mars,  Fairfax  said  Mars  would 
have  been  afraid  of  him. 


EDWARD   FAIRFAX 

EDWARD  FAIRFAX,  of  Newhall,  in  the  parish  of  Fais- 
ton,  Yorkshire,  was  of  a  Yorkshire  family  and  mar- 
ried to  a  Yorkshire  woman.  He  was  born  at  Leeds. 
His  father  was  Sir  Thomas  Fairfax  of  Denton  and  Nun  Apple- 
ton  and  Bilbrough,  in  Yorkshire,  whose  eldest  son,  born  at  Bil- 
brough,  was  Thomas,  first  Lord  Fairfax  of  Cameron  in  the 
Scottish  peerage.  Thomas  was  born  in  1560,  and  lived  to  the 
age  of  eighty;  but  there  is  no  record  of  the  birth-date  of  his 
brother  Edward,  who  died  five  years  before  him.  Edward  was 
very  serviceable  to  his  eldest  brother,  for  he  lived  a  studious  life 
upon  his  own  little  estate  near  by,  as  one  of  the  family  (though 
his  legitimacy  has  been  doubted),  and  had  looked  after  the  ed- 
ucation of  his  brother's  children.  He  had  also  the  charge  of  his 
brother's  affairs  while  his  brother  was  much  away  on  diplomatic 
and  military  service  in  the  reign  of  Queen  Elizabeth.  It  was 
not  until  after  the  accession  of  James  I  that  Thomas,  first  Lord 
Fairfax,  settled  down  at  Denton,  where  he  gave  attention  to 
the  breeding  of  his  horses  and  carefully  defined  the  duties  of 
his  servants. 

Edward  Fairfax  married  a  sister  of  Walter  Laycock  of  Cop- 
manthorpe  in  Yorkshire,  and  had  several  children  of  his  own. 
His  translation  of  Tasso  was  his  chief  work.  It  was  first  pub- 
lished in  1600,  toward  the  end  of  the  reign  of  Elizabeth,  and 
dedicated  to  the  Queen.  It  was  valued  greatly  by  King  James, 
who  gave  it  a  first  place  in  English  poetry.  It  is  said  to  have 
solaced  Charles  I  in  his  confinement,  and  Dryden  records  that 
he  and  others  had  heard  Waller  say  that  he  "  derived  the  har- 
mony of  his  numbers  from  '  Godfrey  of  Bulloigne.' " 

Edward  Fairfax  wrote  also  twelve  eclogues,  of  which  two  or 
three  have  been  printed  and  the  rest  are  lost.  He  died  in  1635, 
and  was  buried  at  Faiston  on  January  27th.  His  wife  survived 
him  thirteen  years. 

XV 


xvi  INTRODUCTION 

Richard  Carevv,  who  had  distinguished  himself  at  Oxford  in 
his  student  days,  and  afterward,  when  sheriff  of  Cornwall,  pub- 
lished a  valuable  "  Survey  of  Cornwall,"  published  in  1594  a 
translation  of  the  first  five  cantos  of  Tasso's  "  Gerusalemme." 
Carew  printed  his  English  version  and  the  Italian  original 
facing  each  other,  page  for  page,  and  his  translation  was  ac- 
curate. I  take,  for  example,  the  fourth  stanza  of  the  first  book, 
where  Fairfax  has  generalized  into  "  Princes,"  Tasso's  direct 
dedication  to  Alfonso  II : 

"  Thou  noble-minded  Alfonso,  who  dost  save 
From  fortune's  fury  and  to  port  dost  steer 
Me,  wandering  pilgrim,  midst  of  many  a  wave 
And  many  a  rock  betossed,  and  drenched  well  near, 
My  verse  with  friendly  grace  to  accept  vouchsafe, 
Which,  as  in  vow,  sacred  to  thee  I  bear. 
One  day,  perhaps,  my  pen  forehalsening 
Will  dare  what  now  of  thee  'tis  purposing." 

Fairfax  in  his  translation  of  the  first  five  cantos  shows  now 
and  then  that  he  has  read  Carew's  translation ;  but  on  the  whole, 
here  as  throughout,  he  takes  his  own  way,  and  writes  like  an 
English  poet  of  his  day,  according  to  the  fashion  of  his  day, 
but  with  addition  of  the  clearest  evidence  of  his  delight  in  Spen- 
ser. Many  a  phrase  and  image  used  in  the  elaboration  of  his 
stanzas  has  been  suggested  to  Fairfax  by  his  study  of  the 
"  Faerie  Queene,"  which  was  a  new  poem  while  he  wrote ;  its 
first  three  books  published  in  1590,  its  next  three  in  1596;  Fair- 
fax's "  Tasso "  in  1600.  He  translates,  indeed,  stanza  for 
stanza,  so  that  the  numbering  of  his  stanzas  corresponds  to  that 
of  the  original.  But  he  gives  in  his  own  way  the  sense  of  each 
stanza,  or  what  he  takes  it  to  be,  when,  as  not  seldom  happens, 
he  is  doubtful,  or  goes,  unconscious  of  error,  more  or  less  astray 
as  to  the  meaning  of  a  sentence.  Spenser  had  planned  his  great 
poem  early  in  life,  to  be  a  spiritual  allegory  with  a  poem  of 
knights,  ladies,  and  enchantments,  that  was  to  have  outward  re- 
semblance to  the  "  Orlando  "  of  Ariosto;  only  it  was  to  be  "  in 
sage  and  solemn  tunes  " — 

"  Of  turneys  and  of  trophies  hung, 
Of  forests  and  enchantments  drear, 
Where  more  is  meant  than  meets  the  ear." 


INTRODUCTION  xvii 

While  Spenser  was  planning  and  beginning  to  write,  Tasso's 
"Jerusalem  Delivered  "  came,  as  a  new  poem,  into  his  hands. 
His  pleasure  in  it  was  declared  by  touches  of  paraphrase  and 
imitation  in  his  verse.  Of  a  beautiful  song  in  the  garden  of 
Armida,  he  gave  a  poet's  translation  in  the  last  canto  of  his 
second  book,  where  the  description  of  the  gardens  of  Acrasia 
owed  many  a  touch  to  recollections  of  Tasso.  In  such  passages 
Fairfax  translated  with  Spenser  in  his  mind. 

Fairfax's  worst  blunders,  or  seeming  blunders,  in  translation 
do  little  damage  to  the  spirit  of  his  text.  Thus  in  canto  Hi, 
stanza  32,  the  commonest  inflection  of  a  familiar  verb,  volgere, 
"  to  turn,"  which  of  course  he  knew,  and,  here  as  elsewhere, 
has  translated  rightly,  slips  through  his  eye  into  his  mind  the 
name  of  a  great  river,  and  we  have  this  version  of  the  lines: 

"  Tal  gran  tauro  talor  ne  I'ampio  agone, 
Se  volge  il  corno  ai  cani  ond'  e  seguito, 
S'arretran  essi;  e  s'a  fuggir  si  pone, 
Ciascun  ritorna  a  seguitarlo  ardito." 

*'  As  the  swift  ure,  by  Volga's  rolling  flood, 
Chased  through  the  plains  the  mastiff  curs  toforn, 
Flies  to  the  succor  of  some  neighbor  wood, 
And  often  turns  again  his  dreadful  horn 
Against  the  dogs  imbrued  in  sweat  and  blood, 
That  bite  not  till  the  beast  to  flight  return." 

Here  there  is  no  blunder  at  all.  "  Se  volge  il  corno  "  is  trans- 
lated; the  image  is  correctly  given,  although  part  is  amplified 
and  part  condensed.  We  only  find  that  the  word  volge  sug- 
gested to  Fairfax  his  addition  of  the  river.  In  and  after  Eliza- 
beth's time  river  names  were  much  used  as  ornaments  of  verse. 
The  English  of  Fairfax's  "  Tasso  "  has,  in  pronunciation  and 
vocabulary,  some  ring  of  the  North.  The  letter  r  is  well 
sounded.  When  Carlos  is  translated  "  Charles  "  I  have  once 
or  twice  accented  the  e  to  remind  the  reader  that  the  word  is  a 
dissyllable.  But  the  pronunciation  is  not  "  Char-les,"  it  is 
"  Char-els ;"  the  second  syllable  is  made  by  the  rolled  r  before 
the  letter  /.  In  the  same  way  we  find  "  pearls  "  used  as  a  word 
of  two  syllables — pear-els — in  the  twenty-third  stanza  of  the 
seventeenth  canto,  and  so  in  another  place  with  the  word 
"  curls."  A  glance  at  the  Glossary,  on  the  last  pages  of  this 


xviii  INTRODUCTION 

volume,  will  show  the  use  of  Northern  words,  as  "  busk  "  and 
"  bield."  The  reader  may  also  now  and  then  observe  what 
looks  like  a  false  concord  between  noun  and  verb,  caused  by 
use,  in  a  few  places,  of  the  Northern  plural  in  s,  or  of  the  second 
person  singular  of  the  present  indicative  in  es  for  est. 

Fairfax  interspersed  old  words  in  his  translation  to  grace  an 
antique  tale,  for  the  same  reason  that  caused  Spenser  to  use 
them  in  "  The  Faerie  Queene  " ;  he  had  also,  in  this  respect,  by 
imitation  and  by  likeness  of  experience — for  Spenser's  family 
was  also  of  the  North  of  England1 — a  Spenserian  vocabulary. 
He  often  uses  the  prefix  y  for  the  old  ge,  in  past  participles,  as 
"  yclept,"  "  ypraised."  Sometimes  he  adds  the  n  of  the  infinitive 
where  it  had  been  dropped  by  the  usage  of  his  time — "  Two 
barons  bold  approachen  gan  the  place;;"  "  Do  thou  permit  the 
chosen  ten  to  gone."  He  has  old  plurals  in  n,  "  eyne,"  "  fone," 
"  treen."  Sometimes  he  drops,  sometimes  retains,  the  n  of  a 
past  participle,  writing  "  know  "  for  "  known,"  "  bounden  "  for 
"  bound."  Very  commonly  he  takes  the  old  indicative-present 
of  the  verb  "  to  be,"  using  "  been  "  for  "  are."  Now  and  then 
he  drops  the  sign  of  the  past  in  a  weak  verb  ending  in  t.  In 
this  edition,  while  the  spelling  has  been  modernized,  archaic 
words  and  forms  have  been  retained. 

As  translator,  according  to  the  fashion  of  his  day  in  England, 
Fairfax  turns  many  a  direct  and  simple  sentence  of  his  original 
into  metaphor  or  simile,  interweaves  mythological  and  script- 
ural allusions,  or  finds  emphasis  in  a  homely  English  proverb, 
as  "  A  stick  to  beat  that  dog  he  long  had  sought,"  or  "  Doubt- 
less the  county  thought  his  bread  well  baken." 

With  all  this,  Fairfax  found  that  the  vowel-endings  of  Italian 
add  many  syllables  that  lengthen  the  expression  of  a  thought 
while  making  it  more  musical.  Chaucer's  seven-lined  stanza 
perhaps  originated  in  his  experience  as  a  translator  from  the 
octave  rhyme  as  it  was  used  by  Boccaccio.  It  is  formed  by 
striking  out  the  fifth  line,  and  so  producing  a  new  measure  with 
a  system  of  its  own.  Thus  Chaucer  translated  eight  lines  into 
seven.  Fairfax,  by  the  compactness  of  his  style,  was  led  to 
devices  of  expansion  as  well  as  of  addition.  He  set  up  triplets 
of  words  where  Tasso  had  but  one,  and  sometimes  gave  an  air 
of  condensed  energy  to  a  line  that  was  in  fact  one  bold  expan- 
sion by  a  string  of  words. 


INTRODUCTION  xbc 

When  Tasso  simply  wrote  (xiv.  i), 

"  E  i  -venticelli  dibattendo  Fait 
Lusingavano  il  sonno  de'  mortali" 

Fairfax  translated, 

"  And  sweet-breathed  Zephyr  on  his  spreading  wings, 
Sleep,  ease,  repose,  rest,  peace,  and  quiet  brings." 

When  Tasso  wrote, 

"  China  pot,  disse,  e  gli  addito  la  terra, 
Gli  occhi  a  cib  che  quel  globo  ultimo  serra," 

Fairfax,  having  used  up  the  rest  of  the  matter  of  the  stanza  in 
five  lines,  and  having  three  to  fill,  translated, 

"  Then  bend  thine  eyes  on  yonder  earth  and  mould, 
All  in  that  mass,  that  globe  and  compass  see, 
Land,  sea,  spring,  fountain,  man,  beast,  grass,  and  tree." 

And  as  an  example  of  the  frequent  triplets  in  Fairfax,  which 
became  a  favorite  device,  we  may  take  the  translation  of  Tasso's 

"Ben  sono  in  parte  altr1  uotn  da  quel  ch'io  fui; 
Ch'  or  da  lui  pendo,  e  mi  rivolgo  a  lui " — 

"Thus  hath  he  changed  my  thoughts,  my  heart,  my  will, 
And  rules  mine  art,  my  knowledge,  and  my  skill." 

Iteration  is  part  of  a  speaker's  art,  because  the  spoken  word 
has  wings,  and  may  not  always  be  caught  as  it  is  uttered.  In 
our  church  service  its  use  is  recognized  by  frequent  doublings 
of  nouns  and  verbs,  as  when  we  "  acknowledge  and  confess  our 
manifold  sins  and  iniquities;"  and  the  form  of  writing  is  not 
ill-suited  to  a  poem  that  one  may  imagine  planned  for  recita- 
tion. Fairfax  uses  it  to  excess,  but  there  is  so  much  robust 
vigor  in  his  way  of  suiting  to  his  own  time  and  country  the 
contents  of  each  successive  stanza,  and  his  own  music  is  so 
clear  and  tuneful,  that  his  translation  still  holds  high  place  in 
our  literature,  among  the  books  "  that  so  did  please  Eliza  and 
our  James,"  and  have  not  lost  their  pleasantness  by  lapse  of 
time. 


THE  FIRST  CRUSADE 

THE  story  of  "  Jerusalem  Delivered  "  is  a  romantic  treat- 
ment of  the  First  Crusade,  which  followed  upon  the  ^ 
preaching  of  Peter  the  Hermit,  supported  by  Pope  Ur- 
ban II,  who,  from  a  high  scaffold  at  the  Council  of  Clermont, 
bade  the  Christians  go  on  their  errand  of  love,  to  die  and  possess 
mansions  in  heaven,  or  to  live  and  pay  their  vows  before  the 
Holy  Sepulchre.  The  Crusaders  were  to  set  out  on  the  Feast  of 
the  Assumption,  August  15,  1096.  They  were  a  throng  gath- 
ered from  all  Christendom,  of  which  the  chief  among  many 
leaders  was  Godfrey,  son  of  Eustace  II,  Count  of  Bouillon  in 
the  Ardennes,  who  through  his  mother  claimed  descent  from 
Charlemagne.  At  the  age  of  about  four-and-twenty  he  was 
with  the  Emperor's  force  at  the  siege  of  Rome,  in  1084,  and  was 
the  first  to  scale  the  walls.  For  this  service,  he  was  made  Mar- 
quis of  Antwerp  and  Duke  of  Lorraine.  When  the  Crusade  was 
being  preached,  he  rose  from  a  fever,  shook  off  his  disease, 
pawned  his  lordship  of  Bouillon  for  the  loan  of  1,300  marks 
from  the  Church  of  Liege,  and  led  a  force  of  80,000  foot-sol- 
diers and  10,000  horse  to  Constantinople,  where  he  rescued  a 
fellow-Crusader,  Hugh  of  Vermandois,  who  was  detained  by 
the  Greek  Emperor  Alexius.  Then  Godfrey  took  Antioch, 
achieved  a  victory  over  a  great  host  of  the  Saracens  at  Dorylae- 
um,  reached  Jerusalem  in  1099,  and  captured  the  city  after  a 
five- weeks'  siege.  In  the  Christian  Kingdom  of  Jerusalem  then 
founded,  Godfrey  ruled  for  a  year,  but  refused  to  be  crowned 
with  gold  where  his  Saviour  had  been  crowned  with  thorns.  He 
repelled  attacks  of  the  Saracens,  caused  to  be  drawn  up  a  sys- 
tem of  jurisprudence  known  as  the  Assizes  of  Jerusalem,  and 
died  in  the  year  noo,  honored  even  by  his  enemies.  His  ex- 
ploits, said  Geoffrey  of  Vinsauf,  "  were  as  food  in  the  mouth  of 
their  narrators."  His  brother  Baldwin  was  made  his  successor 
as  King  of  Jerusalem. 

xxi 


xxii  INTRODUCTION 

Other  leaders  of  this  Crusade  were  Hugh,  Count  of  Verman- 
dois,  brother  to  the  King  of  France,  and  Robert,  Duke  of  Nor- 
mandy, brother  to  the  King  of  England.  Duke  Robert  had 
raised  money  by  the  pawning  of  his  dukedom.  Tancred  was 
son  of  the  Marquis  Odo  the  Good,  and  Emma,  sister  of  Robert 
Guiscard.  Bohemond  was  Robert  Guiscard's  son,  who  inher- 
ited Tarentum  and  Apulia.  Raymond,  Count  of  Toulouse,  is 
fabled  to  have  led  to  the  Crusades  160,000  horse  and  foot. 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

BOOK  I i 

BOOK          II 22 

BOOK        III 44 

BOOK         IV 62 

BOOK          V 84 

BOOK        VI 105 

BOOK       VII 131 

BOOK     VIII 159 

BOOK         IX 179 

BOOK          X 202 

BOOK         XI 220 

BOOK       XII .^240 

BOOK     XIII 264 

BOOK      XIV 283 

BOOK       XV 301 

BOOK      XVI 316 

BOOK    XVII 333 

BOOK  XVIII 355 

BOOK      XIX 379 

BOOK        XX 409 

GLOSSARY   443 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 


FIRST  BOOK 


THE  ARGUMENT 
God  sends  his  angel  to  Tortosa  down, 
Godfrey  unites  the  Christian  Peers  and  Knights; 
And  all  the  Lords  and  Princes  of  renown 
Choose  him  their  Duke,  to  rule  the  wars  and  fights. 
He  mustereth  all  his  host,  whose  number  known, 
He  sends  them  to  the  fort  that  Sion  hights; 

The  aged  tyrant  Juda's  land  that  guides, 

In  fear  and  trouble,  to  resist  provides. 

THE  sacred  armies,  and  the  godly  knight, 
That  the  great  sepulchre  of  Christ  did  free, 
I  sing ;  much  wrought  his  valor  and  foresight, 
And  in  that  glorious  war  much  suffered  he ; 
In  vain  'gainst  him  did  Hell  oppose  her  might, 
In  vain  the  Turks  and  Morians  armed  be : 
His  soldiers  wild,  to  brawls  and  mutines  prest, 
Reduced  he  to  peace,  so  Heaven  him  blest. 

O  heavenly  Muse,  that  not  with  fading  bays 
Deckest  thy  brow  by  the  Heliconian  spring, 
But  sittest  crowned  with  stars'  immortal  rays 
In  Heaven,  where  legions  of  bright  angels  sing ; 
Inspire  life  in  my  wit,  my  thoughts  upraise, 
My  verse  ennoble,  and  forgive  the  thing, 
If  fictions  light  I  mix  with  truth  divine, 
And  fill  these  lines  with  other  praise  than  thine. 


TASSO 

Thither  thou  know'st  the  world  is  best  inclined 
Where  luring  Parnass  most  his  sweet  imparts, 
And  truth  conveyed  in  verse  of  gentle  kind 
To  read  perhaps  will  move  the  dullest  hearts : 
So  we,  if  children  young  diseased  we  find, 
Anoint  with  sweets  the  vessel's  foremost  parts 

To  make  them  taste  the  potions  sharp  we  give ; 

They  drink  deceived,  and  so  deceived,  they  live. 

Ye  noble  Princes,  that  protect  and  save 
The  Pilgrim  Muses,  and  their  ship  defend 
From  rock  of  Ignorance  and  Error's  wave, 
Your  gracious  eyes  upon  this  labor  bend : 
To  you  these  tales  of  love  and  conquest  bravt 
I  dedicate,  to  you  this  work  I  send : 

My  Muse  hereafter  shall  perhaps  unfold 

Your  fights,  your  battles,  and  your  combats  bold. 

For  if  the  Christian  Princes  ever  strive 
To  win  fair  Greece  out  of  the  tyrants'  hands, 
And  those  usurping  Ismaelites  deprive 
Of  woful  Thrace,  which  now  captived  stands, 
You  must  from  realms  and  seas  the  Turks  forth  drive, 
As  Godfrey  chased  them  from  Juda's  lands, 
And  in  this  legend,  all  that  glorious  deed, 
Read,  whilst  you  arm  you ;  arm  you,  whilst  you  read. 

Six  years  were  run  since  first  in  martial  guise 
The  Christian  Lords  warraid  the  eastern  land ; 
Nice  by  assault,  and  Antioch  by  surprise, 
Both  fair,  both  rich,  both  won,  both  conquered  stand, 
And  this  defended  they  in  noblest  wise 
'Gainst  Persian  knights  and  many  a  valiant  band ; 
Tortosa  won,  lest  winter  might  them  shend, 
They  drew  to  holds,  and  coming  spring  attend. 

The  sullen  season  now  was  come  and  gone, 
That  forced  them  late  cease  from  their  noble  war, 
When  God  Almighty  from  his  lofty  throne, 
Set  in  those  parts  of  Heaven  that  purest  are 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

(As  far  at^ve  the  clear  stars  every  one, 

As  it  is  hence  up  to  the  highest  star), 

Looked  down,  and  all  at  once  this  world  beheld, 
Each  land,  each  city,  country,  town  and  field. 

All  things  he  viewed,  at  last  in  Syria  stayed 
Upon  the  Christian  Lords  his  gracious  eye, 
That  wondrous  look  wherewith  he  oft  surveyed 
Men's  secret  thoughts  that  most  concealed  lie 
He  cast  on  puissant  Godfrey,  that  assayed 
To  drive  the  Turks  from  Sion's  bulwarks  high, 
And,  full  of  zeal  and  faith,  esteemed  light 
All  worldly  honor,  empire,  treasure,  might: 

In  Baldwin  next  he  spied  another  thought, 
Whom  spirits  proud  to  vain  ambition  move : 
Tancred  he  saw  his  life's  joy  set  at  naught, 
So  woe-begone  was  he  with  pains  of  love : 
Boemond  the  conquered  folk  of  Antioch  brought, 
The  gentle  yoke  of  Christian  rule  to  prove : 

He  taught  them  laws,  statutes  and  customs  new, 
Arts,  crafts,  obedience,  and  religion  true ; 

And  with  such  care  his  busy  work  he  plied, 

That  to  naught  else  his  acting  thoughts  he  bent: 

In  young  Rinaldo  fierce  desires  he  spied, 

And  noble  heart  of  rest  impatient ; 

To  wealth  or  sovereign  power  he  naught  applied 

His  wits,  but  all  to  virtue  excellent ; 

Patterns  and  rules  of  skill,  and  courage  bold, 
He  took  from  Guelpho,  and  his  fathers  old. 

Thus  when  the  Lord  discovered  had,  and  seen 
The  hidden  secrets  of  each  worthy's  breast, 
Out  of  the  hierarchies  of  angels  sheen 
The  gentle  Gabriel  called  he  from  the  rest, 
'Twixt  God  and  souls  of  men  that  righteous  been 
Ambassador  is  he,  forever  blest, 

The  just  commands  of  Heaven's  Eternal  King, 
'Twixt  skies  and  earth,  he  up  and  down  doth  bring. 

Classics.     Vol.   35— B 


TASSO 

To  whom  the  Lord  thus  spake :  "  Godfredo  find, 
And  in  my  name  ask  him,  why  doth  he  rest  ? 
Why  be  his  arms  to  ease  and  peace  resigned  ? 
Why  frees  he  not  Jerusalem  distrest? 
His  peers  to  counsel  call,  each  baser  mind 
Let  him  stir  up ;  for,  chieftain  of  the  rest 
I  choose  him  here,  the  earth  shall  him  allow, 
His  fellows  late  shall  be  his  subjects  now." 

This  said,  the  angel  swift  himself  prepared 
To  execute  the  charge  imposed  aright, 
In  form  of  airy  members  fair  imbared, 
His  spirits  pure  were  subject  to  our  sight, 
Like  to  a  man  in  show  and  shape  he  fared, 
But  full  of  heavenly  majesty  and  might, 
A  stripling  seemed  he  thrice  five  winters  old, 
And  radiant  beams  adorned  his  locks  of  gold. 

Of  silver  wings  he  took  a  shining  pair, 
Fringed  with  gold,  unwearied,  nimble,  swift ; 
With  these  he  parts  the  winds,  the  clouds,  the  air, 
And  over  seas  and  earth  himself  doth  lift, 
Thus  clad  he  cut  the  spheres  and  circles  fair, 
And  the  pure  skies  with  sacred  feathers  clift ; 
On  Libanon  at  first  his  foot  he  set, 
And  shook  his  wings  with  rory  May  dews  wet. 

Then  to  Tortosa's  confines  swiftly  sped 
The  sacred  messenger,  with  headlong  flight ; 
Above  the  eastern  wave  appeared  red 
The  rising  sun,  yet  scantly  half  in  sight ; 
Godfrey  e'en  then  his  morn-devotions  said, 
As  was  his  custom,  when  with  Titan  bright 
Appeared  the  angel  in  his  shape  divine, 
Whose  glory  far  obscured  Phoebus'  shine. 

"  Godfrey,"  quoth  he,  "  behold  the  season  fit 
To  war,  for  which  thou  waited  hast  so  long, 
Now  serves  the  time,  if  thou  o'erslip  not  it, 
To  free  Jerusalem  from  thrall  and  wrong : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

Thou  with  thy  Lords  in  council  quickly  sit ; 

Comfort  the  feeble,  and  confirm  the  strong. 

The  Lord  of  Hosts  their  general  doth  make  thee, 
And  for  their  chieftain  they  shall  gladly  take  thee. 

"  I,  messenger  from  everlasting  Jove, 
In  his  great  name  thus  his  behests  do  tell ; 
Oh,  what  sure  hope  of  conquest  ought  thee  move, 
What  zeal,  what  love  should  in  thy  bosom  dwell !  " 
This  said,  he  vanished  to  those  seats  above, 
In  height  and  clearness  which  the  rest  excel. 
Down  fell  the  Duke,  his  joints  dissolved  asunder, 
Blind  with  the  light,  and  strucken  dead  with  wonder.  - 

But  when  recovered,  he  considered  more, 
The  man,  his  manner,  and  his  message  said ; 
If  erst  he  wished,  now  he  longed  sore 
To  end  that  war,  whereof  he  Lord  was  made ; 
Nor  swelled  his  breast  with  uncouth  pride  therefore, 
That  Heaven  on  him  above  this  charge  had  laid, 
But,  for  his  great  Creator  would  the  same, 
His  will  increased:  so  fire  augmenteth  flame. 

The  captains  called  forthwith  from  every  tent, 

Unto  the  rendezvous  he  them  invites ; 

Letter  on  letter,  post  on  post  he  sent, 

Entreatance  fair  with  counsel  he  unites, 

All,  what  a  noble  courage  could  augment, 

The  sleeping  spark  of  valor  what  incites, 
He  used,  that  all  their  thoughts  to  honor  raised, 
Some  praised,  some  paid,  some  counselled,  all  pleased. 

The  captains,  soldiers,  all,  save  Boemond,  came, 
And  pitched  their  tents,  some  in  the  fields  without, 
Some  of  green  boughs  their  slender  cabins  frame, 
Some  lodged  were  Tortosa's  streets  about, 
Of  all  the  host  the  chief  of  worth  and  name 
Assembled  been,  a  senate  grave  and  stout; 
Then  Godfrey,  after  silence  kept  a  space, 
Lift  up  his  voice,  and  spake  with  princely  grace: 


6  TASSO 

"Warriors,  whom  God  himself  elected  hath 
His  worship  true  in  Sion  to  restore, 
And  still  preserved  from  danger,  harm  and  scath, 
By  many  a  sea  and  many  an  unknown  shore, 
You  have  subjected  lately  to  his  faith 
Some  provinces  rebellious  long  before: 
And  after  conquests  great,  have  in  the  same 
Erected  trophies  to  his  cross  and  name. 

"  But  not  for  this  our  homes  we  first  forsook, 
And  from  our  native  soil  have  marched  so  far : 
Nor  us  to  dangerous  seas  have  we  betook, 
Exposed  to  hazard  of  so  far  sought  war, 
Of  glory  vain  to  gain  an  idle  smook, 
And  lands  possess  that  wild  and  barbarous  are : 
That  for  our  conquests  were  too  mean  a  prey, 
To  shed  our  bloods,  to  work  our  souls'  decay. 

"  But  this  the  scope  was  of  our  former  thought, — 

Of  Sion's  fort  to  scale  the  noble  wall, 

The  Christian  folk  from  bondage  to  have  brought, 

Wherein,  alas,  they  long  have  lived  thrall, 

In  Palestine  an  empire  to  have  wrought, 

Where  godliness  might  reign  perpetual, 

And  none  be  left,  that  pilgrims  might  denay 

To  see  Christ's  tomb,  and  promised  vows  to  pay. 

"  What  to  this  hour  successively  is  done 
Was  full  of  peril,  to  our  honor  small, 
Naught  to  our  first  designment,  if  we  shun 
The  purposed  end,  or  here  lie  fixed  all. 
What  boots  it  us  these  wars  to  have  begun, 
Or  Europe  raised  to  make  proud  Asia  thrall, 
If  our  beginnings  have  this  ending  known, 
Not  kingdoms  raised,  but  armies  overthrown? 

"  Not  as  we  list  erect  we  empires  new 
On  frail  foundations  laid  in  earthly  mould, 
Where  of  our  faith  and  country  be  but  few 
Among  the  thousands  stout  of  Pagans  bold, 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED 

Where  naught  behoves  us  trust  to  Greece  untrue, 
And  Western  aid  we  far  removed  behold: 
Who  buildeth  thus,  methinks,  so  buildeth  he, 
As  if  his  work  should  his  sepulchre  be. 

"  Turks,  Persians  conquered,  Antiochia  won, 

Be  glorious  acts,  and  full  of  glorious  praise, 

By  Heaven's  mere  grace,  not  by  our  prowess  done : 

Those  conquests  were  achieved  by  wondrous  ways, 

If  now  from  that  directed  course  we  run 

The  God  of  Battles  thus  before  us  lays, 

His  loving  kindness  shall  we  lose,  I  doubt, 

And  be  a  byword  to  the  lands  about. 

"  Let  not  these  blessings  then  sent  from  above 

Abused  be,  or  split  in  profane  wise, 

But  let  the  issue  correspondent  prove 

To  good  beginnings  of  each  enterprise ; 

The  gentle  season  might  our  courage  move, 

Now  every  passage  plain  and  open  lies: 
What  lets  us  then  the  great  Jerusalem 
With  valiant  squadrons  round  about  to  hem  ? 

"  Lords,  I  protest,  and  hearken  all  to  it, 
Ye  times  and  ages,  future,  present,  past, 
Hear  all  ye  blessed  in  the  heavens  that  sit, 
The  time  for  this  achievement  hasteneth  fast : 
The  longer  rest  worse  will  the  season  fit, 
Our  sureties  shall  with  doubts  be  overcast. 
If  we  forslow  the  siege  I  well  foresee 
From  Egypt  will  the  Pagans  succored  be." 

This  said,  the  hermit  Peter  rose  and  spake, 
Who  sate  in  counsel  those  great  Lords  among: 
"  At  my  request  this  war  was  undertake, 
In  private  cell,  who  erst  lived  closed  long, 
What  Godfrey  wills,  of  that  no  question  make, 
There  cast  no  doubts  where  truth  is  plain  and  strong, 
Your  acts,  I  trust,  will  correspond  his  speech, 
Yet  one  thing  more  I  would  you  gladly  teach. 


TASSO 

"  These  strifes,  unless  I  far  mistake  the  thing, 
And  discords  raised  oft  in  disordered  sort, 
Your  disobedience  and  ill  managing 
Of  actions  lost,  for  want  of  due  support, 
Refer  I  justly  to  a  further  spring, 
Spring  of  sedition,  strife,  oppression,  tort, 
I  mean  commanding  power  to  sundry  given, 
In  thought,  opinion,  worth,  estate,  uneven. 

f  Where  divers  Lords  divided  empire  hold, 
Where  causes  be  by  gifts,  not  justice  tried, 
Where  offices  be  falsely  bought  and  sold, 
Needs  must  the  lordship  there  from  virtue  slide. 
Of  friendly  parts  one  body  then  uphold, 
Create  one  head,  the  rest  to  rule  and  guide : 
To  one  the  regal  power  and  sceptre  give, 
That  henceforth  may  your  King  and  Sovereign  live." 

And  therewith  stayed  his  speech.     O  gracious  Muse, 
What  kindling  motions  in  their  breasts  do  fry? 
With  grace  divine  the  hermit's  talk  infuse, 
That  in  their  hearts  his  words  may  fructify ; 
By  this  a  virtuous  concord  they  did  choose, 
And  all  contentions  then  began  to  die ; 
The  Princes  with  the  multitude  agree, 
^  That  Godfrey  ruler  of  those  wars  should  be. 

This  power  they  gave  him,  by  his  princely  right, 
All  to  command,  to  judge  all,  good  and  ill, 
Laws  to  impose  to  lands  subdued  by  might, 
To  maken  war  both  when  and  where  he  will, 
To  hold  in  due  subjection  every  wight, 
Their  valors  to  be  guided  by  his  skill ; 
This  done,  Report  displays  her  tell-tale  wings, 
And  to  each  ear  the  news  and  tidings  brings. 

She  told  the  soldiers,  who  allowed  him  meet 
And  well  deserving  of  that  sovereign  place. 
Their  first  salutes  and  acclamations  sweet 
Received  he,  with  love  and  gentle  grace; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

After  their  reverence  done  with  kind  regreet 
Requited  was,  with  mild  and  cheerful  face, 
He  bids  his  armies  should  the  following  day 
On  those  fair  plains  their  standards  proud  display. 

The  golden  sun  rose  from  the  silver  wave, 
And  with  his  beams  enamelled  every  green, 
When  up  arose  each  warrior  bold  and  brave, 
Glistering  in  filed  steel  and  armor  sheen, 
With  jolly  plumes  their  crests  adorned  they  have, 
And  all  tofore  their  chieftain  mustered  been : 
He  from  a  mountain  cast  his  curious  sight 
On  every  footman  and  on  every  knight. 

My  mind,  Time's  enemy,  Oblivion's  foe, 
Disposer  true  of  each  noteworthy  thing, 
Oh,  let  thy  virtuous  might  avail  me  so, 
That  I  each  troop  and  captain  great  may  sing, 
That  in  this  glorious  war  did  famous  grow, 
Forgot  till  now  by  Time's  evil  handling : 
This  work,  derived  from  my  treasures  dear, 
Let  all  times  hearken,  never  age  outwear. 

The  French  came  foremost  battailous  and  bold, 
Late  led  by  Hugo,  brother  to  their  King, 
From  France  the  isle  that  rivers  four  infold 
With  rolling  streams  descending  from  their  spring, 
But  Hugo  dead,  the  lily  fair  of  gold, 
Their  wonted  ensign  they  tofore  them  bring, 
Under  Clotharius  great,  a  captain  good, 
And  hardy  knight  ysprong  of  princes' blood. 

A  thousand  were  they  in  strong  armors  clad, 
Next  whom  there  marched  forth  another  band, 
That  number,  nature,  and  instruction  had, 
Like  them  to  fight  far  off  or  charge  at  hand, 
All  valiant  Normans  by  Lord  Robert  lad, 
The  native  Duke  of  that  renowned  land, 
Two  bishops  next  their  standards  proud  upbare, 
Called  Reverend  William,  and  Good  Ademare. 


xo  TASSO 

Their  jolly  notes  they  chanted  loud  and  clear 
On  merry  mornings  at  the  mass  divine, 
And  horrid  helms  high  on  their  heads  they  bear 
When  their  fierce  courage  they  to  war  incline: 
The  first  four  hundred  horsemen  gathered  near 
To  Orange  town,  and  lands  that  it  confine : 

But  Ademare  the  Poggian  youth  brought  out, 

In  number  like,  in  hard  assays  as  stout. 

Baldwin,  his  ensign  fair,  did  next  dispread 
Among  his  Bulloigners  of  noble  fame, 
His  brother  gave  him  all  his  troops  to  lead, 
When  he  commander  of  the  field  became; 
The  Count  Carinto  did  him  straight  succeed, 
Grave  in  advice,  well  skilled  in  Mars  his  game, 
Four  hundred  brought  he,  but  so  many  thrice 
Led  Baldwin,  clad  in  gilden  arms  of  price. 

Guelpho  next  them  the  land  and  place  possest, 
Whose  fortunes  good  with  his  great  acts  agree, 
By  his  Italian  sire,  fro  the  house  of  Est, 
Well  could  he  bring  his  noble  pedigree, 
A  German  born  with  rich  possessions  blest, 
A  worthy  branch  sprung  from  the  Guelphian  tree. 
'Twixt  Rhene  and  Danubie  the  land  contained 
He  ruled,  where  Swaves  and  Rhetians  whilom  reigned. 

His  mother's  heritage  was  this  and  right, 
To  which  he  added  more  by  conquest  got, 
From  thence  approved  men  of  passing  might 
He  brought,  that  death  or  danger  feared  not: 
It  was  their  wont  in  feasts  to  spend  the  night, 
And  pass  cold  days  in  baths  and  houses  hot. 
Five  thousand  late,  of  which  now  scantly  are 
The  third  part  left,  such  is  the  chance  of  war. 

The  nation  then  with  crisped  locks  and  fair, 
That  dwell  between  the  seas  and  Arden  Wood, 
Where  Mosel  streams  and  Rhene  the  meadows  wear, 
A  battel  soil  for  grain,  for  pasture  good, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  « 

Their  islanders  with  them,  who  oft  repair 
Their  earthen  bulwarks  'gainst  the  ocean  flood, 
The  flood,  elsewhere  that  ships  and  barks  devours, 
But  there  drowns  cities,  countries,  towns  and  towers; 

Both  in  one  troop,  and  but  a  thousand  all, 
Under  another  Robert  fierce  they  run. 
Then  the  English  squadron,  soldiers  stout  and  tall, 
By  William  led,  their  sovereign's  younger  son, 
These  archers  be,  and  with  them  come  withal, 
A  people  near  the  Northern  Pole  that  wone, 

Whom  Ireland  sent  from  loughs  and  forests  hoar, 

Divided  far  by  sea  from  Europe's  shore. 

Tancredi  next,  nor  'mongst  them  all  was  one, 

Rinald  except,  a  prince  of  greater  might, 

With  majesty  his  noble  countenance  shone, 

High  were  his  thoughts,  his  heart  was  bold  in  fight, 

No  shameful  vice  his  worth  had  overgone, 

His  fault  was  love,  by  unadvised  sight, 
Bred  in  the  dangers  of  adventurous  arms, 
And  nursed  with  griefs,  with  sorrows,  woes,  and  harms. 

Fame  tells,  that  on  that  ever-blessed  day, 
When  Christian  swords  with  Persian  blood  were  dyed, 
The  furious  Prince  Tancredi  from  that  fray 
His  coward  foes  chased  through  forests  wide, 
Till  tired  with  the  fight,  the  heat,  the  way, 
He  sought  some  place  to  rest  his  wearied  side, 
And  drew  him  near  a  silver  stream  that  played 
Among  wild  herbs  under  the  greenwood  shade. 

A  Pagan  damsel  there  unwares  he  met, 
In  shining  steel,  all  save  her  visage  fair, 
Her  hair  unbound  she  made  a  wanton  net, 
To  catch  sweet  breathing  from  the  cooling  air. 
On  her  at  gaze  his  longing  looks  he  set, 
Sight,  wonder;  wonder, "love;  love  bred  his  care; 
O  love,  O  wonder;  love  new  born,  new  bred, 
'Now  grown,  now  armed,  this  champion  captive  led. 


TASSO  » 

Her  helm  the  virgin  donned,  and  but  some  wight 
She  feared  might  come  to  aid  him  as  they  fought, 
Her  courage  earned  to  have  assailed  the  knight; 
Yet  thence  she  fled,  uncompanied,  unsought, 
And  left  her  image  in  his  heart  ypight ; 
Her  sweet  idea  wandered  through  his  thought, 
Her  shape,  her  gesture,  and  her  place  in  mind 
He  kept,  and  blew  love's  fire  with  that  wind. 

Well  might  you  read  his  sickness  in  his  eyes, 
Their  banks  were  full,  their  tide  was  at  the  flow, 
His  help  far  off,  his  hurt  within  him  lies, 
His  hopes  unstrung,  his  cares  were  fit  to  mow ; 
Eight  hundred  horse  (from  Champain  came)  he  guics, 
Champain  a  land  where  wealth,  ease,  pleasure,  grow, 
Rich  Nature's  pomp  and  pride,  the  Tirrhene  main 
There  woos  the  hills,  hills  woo  the  valleys  plain. 

Two  hundred  Greeks  came  next,  in  fight  well  tried, 
Not  surely  armed  in  steel  or  iron  strong, 
But  each  a  glaive  had  pendant  by  his  side, 
Their  bows  and  quivers  at  their  shoulders  hung, 
Their  horses  well  inured  to  chase  and  ride, 
In  diet  spare,  untired  with  labor  long; 

Ready  to  charge,  and  to  retire  at  will, 

Though  broken,  scattered,  fled,  they  skirmish  still; 

Tatine  their  guide,  and  except  Tatine,  none 
Of  all  the  Greeks  went  with  the  Christian  host ; 
O  sin,  O  shame,  O  Greece  accurst  alone ! 
Did  not  this  fatal  war  affront  thy  coast? 
Yet  satest  thou  an  idle  looker-on, 
And  glad  attendest  which  side  won  or  lost: 
Now  if  thou  be  a  bondslave  vile  become, 
No  wrong  is  that,  but  God's  most  righteous  doom, 

In  order  last,  but  first  in  worth  and  fame, 
Unfeared  in  fight,  untired  with  hurt  or  wound, 
The  noble  squadron  of  adventurers  came, 
Terrors  to  all  that  tread  on  Asian  ground : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

Cease  Orpheus  of  thy  Minois,  Arthur  shame 
To  boast  of  Lancelot,  or  thy  table  round: 

For  these  whom  antique  times  with  laurel  drest, 
These  far  exceed  them,  thee,  and  all  the  rest. 

Dudon  of  Consa  was  their  guide  and  lord, 
And  for  of  worth  and  birth  alike  they  been, 
They  chose  him  captain,  by  their  free  accord, 
For  he  most  acts  had  done,  most  battles  seen ; 
Grave  was  the  man  in  years,  in  looks,  in  word, 
His  locks  were  gray,  yet  was  his  courage  green, 
Of  worth  and  might  the  noble  badge  he  bore, 
Old  scars  of  grievous  wounds  received  of  yore. 

After  came  Eustace,  well  esteemed  man 
For  Godfrey's  sake  his  brother,  and  his  own ; 
The  King  of  Norway's  heir  Gernando  than, 
Proud  of  his  father's  title,  sceptre,  crown ; 
Roger  of  Balnavill,  and  Engerlan, 
For  hardy  knights  approved  were  and  known ; 
Besides  were  numbered  in  that  warlike  train 
Rambald,  Gentonio,  and  the  Gerrards  twain. 

Ubaldo  then,  and  puissant  Rosimond, 

Of  Lancaster  the  heir,  in  rank  succeed ; 

Let  none  forget  Obizo  of  Tuscain  land, 

Well  worthy  praise  for  many  a  worthy  deed; 

Nor  those  three  brethren,  Lombards  fierce  and  yond, 

Achilles,  Sforza,  and  stern  Palamede; 

Nor  Otton's  shield  he  conquered  in  those  stowrcs, 
In  which  a  snake  a  naked  child  devours. 

Guascher  and  Raiphe  in  valor  like  there  was. 
The  one  and  other  Guido,  famous  both, 
Germer  and  Eberard  to  overpass, 
In  foul  oblivion  would  my  Muse  be  loth, 
With  his  Gildippes  dear,  Edward  alas, 
A  loving  pair,  to  war  among  them  go'th 
In  bond  of  virtuous  love  together  tied, 
Together  served  they,  and  together  died. 


I4  TASSO 

In  school  of  love  are  all  things  taught  we  see, 
There  learned  this  maid  of  arms  the  ireful  guise, 
Still  by  his  side  a  faithful  guard  went  she, 
One  true-love  knot  their  lives  together  ties, 
No  wound  to  one  alone  could  dangerous  be, 
But  each  the  smart  of  other's  anguish  tries, 
If  one  were  hurt,  the  other  felt  the  sore, 
She  lost  her  blood,  he  spent  his  life  therefore. 

But  these  and  all,  Rinaldo  far  exceeds, 
Star  of  his  sphere,  the  diamond  of  this  ring, 
The  nest  where  courage  with  sweet  mercy  breeds: 
A  comet  worthy  each  eye's  wondering, 
His  years  are  fewer  than  his  noble  deeds, 
His  fruit  is  ripe  soon  as  his  blossoms  spring, 
Armed,  a  Mars,  might  coyest  Venus  move, 
And  if  disarmed,  then  God  himself  of  Love. 

Sophia  by  Adige's  flowery  bank  him  bore, 
Sophia  the  fair,  spouse  to  Bertoldo  great, 
Fit  mother  for  that  pearl,  and  before 
The  tender  imp  was  weaned  from  the  teat, 
The  Princess  Maud  him  took,  in  Virtue's  lore 
She  brought  him  up  fit  for  each  worthy  feat, 
Till  of  these  wars  the  golden  trump  he  hears, 
That  soundeth  glory,  fame,  praise  in  his  ears. 

And  then,  though  scantly  three  times  five  years  old, 
He  fled  alone,  by  many  an  unknown  coast, 
O'er  ^Egean  Seas  by  many  a  Greekish  hold, 
Till  he  arrived  at  the  Christian  host; 
A  noble  fight,  adventurous,  brave,  and  bold, 
Whereon  a  valiant  prince  might  justly  boast, 
Three  years  he  served  in  field,  when  scant  begin 
Few  golden  hairs  to  deck  his  ivory  chin. 

The  horsemen  past,  their  void-left  stations  fill 
The  bands  on  foot,  and  Reymond  them  beforn, 
Of  Tholouse  lord,  from  lands  near  Piraene  Hill 
By  Garound  streams  and  salt  sea  billows  worn, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  15 

Four  thousand  foot  he  brought,  well  armed,  and  skill 
Had  they  all  pains  and  travel  to  have  borne, 

Stout  men  of  arms  and  with  their  guide  of  power 
Like  Troy's  old  town  defenced  with  Ilion's  tower. 

Next  Stephen  of  Amboise  did  five  thousand  lead, 

The  men  he  prest  from  Tours  and  Blois  but  late, 

To  hard  assays  unfit,  unsure  at  need, 

Yet  armed  to  point  in  well-attempted  plate, 

The  land  did  like  itself  the  people  breed, 

The  soil  is  gentle,  smooth,  soft,  delicate; 

Boldly  they  charge,  but  soon  retire  for  doubt, 
Like  fire  of  straw,  soon  kindled,  soon  burnt  out. 

The  third  Alcasto  marched,  and  with  him 
The  boaster  brought  six  thousand  Switzers  bold, 
Audacious  were  their  looks,  their  faces  grim, 
Strong  castles  on  the  Alpine  clifts  they  hold, 
Their  shares  and  coulters  broke,  to  armors  trim 
They  change  that  metal,  cast  in  warlike  mould, 
And  with  this  band  late  herds  and  flocks  that  guide, 
Now  kings  and  realms  he  threatened  and  defied. 

The  glorious  standard  last  to  Heaven  they  sprad, 

With  Peter's  keys  ennobled  and  his  crown, 

With  it  seven  thousand  stout  Camillo  had, 

Embattailed  in  walls  of  iron  brown: 

In  this  adventure  and  occasion,  glad 

So  to  revive  the  Romans'  old  renown, 
Or  prove  at  least  to  all  of  wiser  thought, 
Their  hearts  were  fertile  land  although  unwrought. 

But  now  was  passed  every  regiment, 
Each  band,  each  troop,  each  person  worth  regard 
When  Godfrey  with  his  lords  to  counsel  went, 
And  thus  the  Duke  his  princely  will  declared : 
"  I  will  when  day  next  clears  the  firmament, 
Our  ready  host  in  haste  be  all  prepared, 

Closely  to  march  to  Sion's  noble  wall, 

Unseen,  unheard,  or  undescried  at  all. 


16  TASSO 

"  Prepare  you  then  for  travel  strong  and  light, 

Fierce  to  the  combat,  glad  to  victory." 

And  with  that  word  and  warning  soon  was  dight, 

Each  soldier,  longing  for  near  coming  glory, 

Impatient  be  they  of  the  morning  bright, 

Of  honor  so  them  pricked  the  memory : 

But  yet  their  chieftain  had  conceived  a  fear 
Within  his  heart,  but  kept  it  secret  there. 

For  he  by  faithful  spial  was  assured, 
That  Egypt's  King  was  forward  on  his  wajr, 
And  to  arrive  at  Gaza  old  procured, 
A  fort  that  on  the  Syrian  frontiers  lay, 
Nor  thinks  he  that  a  man  to  wars  inured 
Will  aught  forslow,  or  in  his  journey  stay, 
For  well  he  knew  him  for  a  dangerous  foe: 
An  herald  called  he  then,  and  spake  him  so: 

"  A  pinnace  take  thee  swift  as  shaft  from  bow, 
And  speed  thee,  Henry,  to  the  Greekish  main, 
There  should  arrive,  as  I  by  letters  know 
From  one  that  never  aught  reports  in  vain, 
A  valiant  youth  in  whom  all  virtues  flow, 
To  help  us  this  great  conquest  to  obtain, 

The  Prince  of  Danes  he  is,  and  brings  to  war 
A  troop  with  him  from  under  the  Arctic  star. 

"  And  for  I  doubt  the  Greekish  monarch  sly 
Will  use  with  him  some  of  his  wonted  craft, 
To  stay  his  passage,  or  divert  awry 
Elsewhere  his  forces,  his  first  journey  laft, 
My  herald  good  and  messenger  well  try, 
See  that  these  succors  be  not  us  beraft, 
But  send  him  thence  with  such  convenient  speed 
As  with  his  honor  stands  and  with  our  need. 

"  Return  not  thou,  but  Legier  stay  behind, 
And  move  the  Greekish  Prince  to  send  us  aid, 
Tell  him  his  kingly  promise  doth  him  bind 
To  give  us  succors,  by  his  covenant  made." 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  i 

This  said,  and  thus  instruct,  his  letters  signed 

The  trusty  herald  took,  nor  longer  stayed, 

But  sped  him  thence  to  done  his  Lord's  behest, 
And  thus  the  Duke  reduced  his  thoughts  to  rest. 

Aurora  bright  her  crystal  gates  unbarred, 
And  bridegroom-like  forth  stept  the  glorious  sun, 
When  trumpets  loud  and  clarions  shrill  were  heard, 
And  every  one  to  rouse  him  fierce  begun, 
Sweet  music  to  each  heart  for  war  prepared, 
The  soldiers  glad  by  heaps  to  harness  run; 
So  if  with  drought  endangered  be  their  grain, 
Poor  ploughmen  joy  when  thunders  promise  rain. 

Some  shirts  of  mail,  some  coats  of  plate  put  on, 
Some  donned  a  cuirass,  some  a  corslet  bright, 
And  halbert  some,  and  some  a  habergeon, 
So  every  one  in  arms  was  quickly  dight, 
His  wonted  guide  each  soldier  tends  upon, 
Loose  in  the  wind  waved  their  banners  light, 
Their  standard  royal  toward  Heaven  they  spread, 
The  cross  triumphant  on  the  Pagans  dead. 

Meanwhile  the  car  that  bears  the  lightning  brand 

Upon  the  eastern  hill  was  mounted  high, 

And  smote  the  glistering  armies  as  they  stand, 

With  quivering  beams  which  dazed  the  wondering  eye, 

That  Phaeton-like  it  fired  sea  and  land, 

The  sparkles  seemed  up  to  the  skies  to  fly, 

The  horses'  neigh  and  clattering  armors'  sound 

Pursue  the  echo  over  dale  and  down. 

Their  general  did  with  due  care  provide 

To  save  his  men  from  ambush  and  from  train, 

Some  troops  of  horse  that  lightly  armed  ride 

He  sent  to  scour  the  woods  and  forests  main, 

His  pioneers  their  busy  work  applied 

(To  even  the  paths  and  make  the  highways  plain, 

They  filled  the  pits,  and  smoothed  the  rougher  ground, 
And  opened  every  strait  they  closed  found. 


18  TASSO 

They  meet  no  forces  gathered  by  their  foe, 
No  towers  defenced  with  rampire,  moat,  or  wall, 
No  stream,  no  wood,  no  mountain  could  forslow 
Their  hasty  pace,  or  stop  their  march  at  all ; 
So  when  his  banks  the  prince  of  rivers,  Po, 
Doth  overswell,  he  breaks  with  hideous  fall 
The  mossy  rocks  and  trees  o'ergrown  with  age, 
Nor  aught  withstands  his  fury  and  his  rage. 

The  King  of  Tripoli  in  every  hold 
Shut  up  his  men,  munition  and  his  treasure, 
The  straggling  troops  sometimes  assail  he  would, 
Save  that  he  durst  not  move  them  to  displeasure; 
He  stayed  their  rage  with  presents,  gifts  and  gold, 
And  led  them  through  his  land  at  ease  and  leisure, 
To  keep  his  realm  in  peace  and  rest  he  chose, 
With  what  conditions  Godfrey  list  impose. 

Those  of  Mount  Seir,  that  neighbored!  by  east 
The  Holy  City,  faithful  folk  each  one, 
Down  from  the  hill  descended  most  and  least, 
And  to  the  Christian  Duke  by  heaps  they  gone, 
And  welcome  him  and  his  with  joy  and  feast; 
On  him  they  smile,  on  him  they  gaze  alone, 

And  were  his  guides,  as  faithful  from  that  day 
As  Hesperus,  that  leads  the  sun  his  way. 

Along  the  sands  his  armies  safe  they  guide 
By  ways  secure,  to  them  well  known  before, 
Upon  the  tumbling  billows  fraughted  ride 
The  armed  ships,  coasting  along  the  shore, 
Which  for  the  camp  might  every  day  provide    , 
To  bring  munition  good  and  victuals  store : 
The  isles  of  Greece  sent  in  provision  meet, 
And  store  of  wine  from  Scios  came  and  Crete. 

Great  Neptune  grieved  underneath  the  load 
Of  ships,  hulks,  galleys,  barks  and  brigantines, 
In  all  the  mid-earth  seas  was  left  no  road 
Wherein  the  Pagan  his  bold  sails  untwines, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  !9 

Spread  was  the  huge  Armado,  wide  and  broad, 
From  Venice,  Genes,  and  towns  which  them  confines, 

From  Holland,  England,  France  and  Sicil  sent, 

And  all  for  Juda  ready  bound  and  bent. 

All  these  together  were  combined,  and  knit 
iWith  surest  bonds  of  love  and  friendship  strong, 
Together  sailed  they  fraught  with  all  things  fit 
To  service  done  by  land  that  might  belong, 
And  when  occasion  served  disbarked  it, 
Then  sailed  the  Asian  coasts  and  isles  along; 
Thither  with  speed  their  hasty  course  they  plied, 
Where  Christ  the  Lord  for  our  offences  died. 

The  brazen  trump  of  iron-winged  fame, 
That  mingleth  faithful  troth  with  forged  lies, 
Foretold  the  heathen  how  the  Christians  came, 
How  thitherward  the  conquering  army  hies, 
Of  every  knight  it  sounds  the  worth  and  name, 
Each  troop,  each  band,  each  squadron  it  descries, 
And  threat'neth  death  to  those,  fire,  sword  and  slaughter, 
Who  held  captived  Israel's  fairest  daughter. 

The  fear  of  ill  exceeds  the  evil  we  fear, 
For  so  our  present  harms  still  most  annoy  us, 
Each  mind  is  prest  and  open  every  ear 
To  hear  new  tidings  though  they  no  way  joy  us, 
This  secret  rumor  whispered  everywhere 
About  the  town,  these  Christians  will  destroy  us, 
The  aged  king  his  coming  evil  that  knew, 
Did  cursed  thoughts  in  his  false  heart  renew. 

This  aged  prince  ycleped  Aladine, 

Ruled  in  care,  new  sovereign  of  this  state, 

A  tyrant  erst,  but  now  his  fell  engine 

His  graver  age  did  somewhat  mitigate, 

He  heard  the  western  lords  would  undermine 

His  city's  wall,  and  lay  his  towers  prostrate, 
To  former  fear  he  adds  a  new-come  doubt, 
^Treason  he  fears  within,  and  force  without. 


20  TASSO 

For  nations  twain  inhabit  there  and  dwell 
Of  sundry  faith  together  in  that  town, 
The  lesser  part  on  Christ  believed  well, 
On  Termagant  the  more  and  on  Mahown, 
But  when  this  king  had  made  this  conquest  fell, 
And  brought  that  region  subject  to  his  crown, 
Of  burdens  all  he  set  the  Paynims  large, 
And  on  poor  Christians  laid  the  double  charge. 

His  native  wrath  revived  with  this  new  thought, 
With  age  and  years  that  weakened  was  of  yore, 
Such  madness  in  his  cruel  bosom  wrought, 
That  now  than  ever  blood  he  thirsteth  more? 
So  stings  a  snake  that  to  the  fire  is  brought, 
.Which  harmless  lay  benumbed  with  cold  before, 

A  lion  so  his  rage  renewed  hath, 

Though  tame  before,  if  he  be  moved  to  wrath. 

"  I  see,"  quoth  he,  "  some  expectation  vain, 
In  these  false  Christians,  and  some  new  content, 
Our  common  loss  they  trust  will  be  their  gain, 
They  laugh,  we  weep ;  they  joy  while  we  lament ; 
And  more,  perchance,  by  treason  or  by  train, 
To  murder  us  they  secretly  consent, 
Or  otherwise  to  work  us  harm  and  woe, 
To  ope  the  gates,  and  so  let  in  our  foe. 

"  But  lest  they  should  effect  their  cursed  will, 
Let  us  destroy  this  serpent  on  his  nest; 
Both  young  and  old,  let  us  this  people  kill, 
The  tender  infants  at  their  mothers'  breast, 
Their  houses  burn,  their  holy  temples  fill 
With  bodies  slain  of  those  that  loved  them  best, 
And  on  that  tomb  they  hold  so  much  in  price, 
Let's  offer  up  their  priests  in  sacrifice." 

Thus  thought  the  tyrant  in  his  traitorous  mind, 
But  durst  not  follow  what  he  had  decreed, 
Yet  if  the  innocents  some  mercy  find, 
From  cowardice,  not  truth,  did  that  proceed. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  21 

His  noble  foes  durst  not  his  craven  kind 

Exasperate  by  such  a  bloody  deed. 

For  if  he  need,  what  grace  could  then  be  got, 
If  thus  of  peace  he  broke  or  loosed  the  knot  ? 

His  villain  heart  his  cursed  rage  restrained, 
To  other  thoughts  he  bent  his  fierce  desire, 
The  suburbs  first  flat  with  the  earth  he  plained, 
And  burnt  their  buildings  with  devouring  fire, 
Loth  was  the  wretch  the  Frenchman  should  -have  gained 
Or  help  or  ease,  by  finding  aught  entire, 
Cedron,  Bethsaida,  and  each  watering  else 
Empoisoned  he,  both  fountains,  springs,  and  wells. 

So  wrary  wise  this  child  of  darkness  was ; 
The  city's  self  he  strongly  fortifies, 
Three  sides  by  site  it  well  defenced  has, 
That's  only  weak  that  to  the  northward  lies; 
With  mighty  bars  of  long  enduring  brass, 
The  steel-bound  doors  and  iron  gates  he  ties, 

And,  lastly,  legions  armed  \vell  provides 

Of  subjects  born,  and  hired  aid  besides. 


SECOND  BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 
Ismeno  conjures,  but  his  charms  are  vain: 
Aladine  will  kill  the  Christians  in  his  ire: 
Sophronia  and  Olindo  would  be  slain 
To  save  the  rest,  the  King  grants  their  desire; 
Clorinda  hears  their  fact  and  fortunes  plain, 
Their  pardon  gets  and  keeps  them  from  the  fire: 
Argantes,  when  Aletes'  speeches  are 
Despised,  defies  the  Duke  to  mortal  war. 

WHILE  thus  the  tyrant  bends  his  thoughts  to  arms, 
Ismeno  gan  tofore  his  sight  appear, 
Ismen  dead  bones  laid  in  cold  graves  that  warms 
And  makes  them  speak,  smell,  taste,  touch,  see,  and  hear; 
Ismen  with  terror  of  his  mighty  charms, 
That  makes  great  Dis  in  deepest  Hell  to  fear, 
That  binds  and  looses  souls  condemned  to  woe, 
And  sends  the  devils  on  errands  to  and  fro. 

A  Christian  once,  Macon  he  now  adores, 
Nor  could  he  quite  his  wonted  faith  forsake, 
But  in  his  wicked  arts  both  oft  implores 
Help  from  the  Lord,  and  aid  from  Pluto  black; 
He,  from  deep  caves  by  Acheron's  dark  shores, 
Where  circles  vain  and  spells  he  used  to  make, 

To  advise  his  king  in  these  extremes  is  come, 

Achitophel  so  counselled  Absalom. 

"  My  liege,"  he  says,  "  the  camp  fast  hither  moves, 

The  axe  is  laid  unto  this  cedar's  root, 

But  let  us  work  as  valiant  men  behoves, 

For  boldest  hearts  good  fortune  helpeth  out; 

22 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  23 

Your  princely  care  your  kingly  wisdom  proves, 
Well  have  you  labored,  well  foreseen  about; 
If  each  perform  his  charge  and  duty  so, 
Nought  but  his  grave  here  cc.:|uer  shall  your  foe. 

"  From  surest  castle  of  my  secret  cell 
I  come,  partaker  of  your  good  and  ill, 
What  counsel  sage,  or  magic's  sacred  spell 
May  profit  us,  all  that  perform  I  will : 
The  sprites  impure  from  bliss  that  whilom  fell 
Shall  to  your  service  bow,  constrained  by  skill ; 
But  how  we  must  begin  this  enterprise, 
I  will  your  Highness  thus  in  brief  advise. 

"  Within  the  Christian's  church  from  light  of  skies, 
An  hidden  altar  stands,  far  out  of  sight, 
On  which  the  image  consecrated  lies 
Of  Christ's  dear  mother,  called  a  virgin  bright, 
An  hundred  lamps  aye  burn  before  her  eyes, 
She  in  a  slender  veil  of  tinsel  dight, 
On  every  side  great  plenty  doth  behold 
Of  offerings  brought,  myrrh,  frankincense  and  gold. 

"  This  idol  would  I  have  removed  away 
From  thence,  and  by  your  princely  hand  transport, 
In  Macon's  sacred  temple  safe  it  lay, 
Which  then  I  will  enchant  in  wondrous  sort, 
That  while  the  image  in  that  church  doth  stay, 
No  strength  of  arms  shall  win  this  noble  fort, 
Or  shake  this  puissant  wall,  such  passing  might 
Have  spells  and  charms,  if  they  be  said  aright." 

Advised  thus,  the  king  impatient 
Flew  in  his  fury  to  the  house  of  God, 
The  image  took,  with  words  unreverent 
Abused  the  prelates,  who  that  deed  forbode, 
Swift  with  his  prey,  away  the  tyrant  went, 
Of  God's  sharp  justice  naught  he  feared  the  rod, 

But  in  his  chapel  vile  the  image  laid, 

On  which  the  enchanter  charms  and  witchcraft  said. 


34  TASSO 

When  Phoebus  next  unclosed  his  wakeful  eye, 
Up  rose  the  sexton  of  that  place  profane, 
And  missed  the  image,  where  it  used  to  lie, 
Each  where  he  sought  in  grief,  in  fear,  in  vain; 
Then  to  the  king  his  loss  he  gan  descry, 
Who  sore  enraged  killed  him  for  his  pain ; 
And  straight  conceived  in  his  malicious  wit, 
Some  Christian  bade  this  great  offence  commit. 

But  whether  this  were  act  of  mortal  hand, 
Or  else  the  Prince  of  Heaven's  eternal  pleasure, 
That  of  his  mercy  would  this  wretch  withstand, 
Nor  let  so  vile  a  chest  hold  such  a  treasure, 
As  yet  conjecture  hath  not  fully  scanned ; 
By  godliness  let  us  this  action  measure, 
And  truth  of  purest  faith  will  fitly  prove 
That  this  rare  grace  came  down  from  Heaven  above. 

With  busy  search  the  tyrant  gan  to  invade 
Each  house,  each  hold,  each  temple  and  each  tent 
To  them  the  fault  or  faulty  one  bewrayed 
Or  hid,  he  promised  gifts  or  punishment, 
His  idle  charms  the  false  enchanter  said, 
But  in  this  maze  still  wandered  and  miswent, 
For  Heaven  decreed  to  conceal  the  same, 
To  make  the  miscreant  more  to  feel  his  shame. 

But  when  the  angry  king  discovered  not 

What  guilty  hand  this  sacrilege  had  wrought, 

His  ireful  courage  boiled  in  vengeance  hot 

Against  the  Christians,  whom  he  faulters  thought; 

All  ruth,  compassion,  mercy  he  forgot, 

A  staff  to  beat  that  dog  he  long  had  sought, 

"  Let  them  all  die,"  quoth  he,  "  kill  great  and  small, 
So  shall  the  offender  perish  sure  withal. 

"  To  spill  the  wine  with  poison  mixed  who  spares  ? 
Slay  then  the  righteous  with  the  faulty  one, 
Destroy  this  field  that  yieldeth  naught  but  tares, 
With  thorns  this  vineyard  all  is  over-gone, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  35 

Among  these  wretches  is  not  one,  that  cares 

For  us,  our  laws,  or  our  religion; 
Up,  up,  dear  subjects,  fire  and  weapon  take, 
Burn,  murder,  kill  these  traitors  for  my  sake." 

This  Herod  thus  would  Bethlem's  infants  kill, 
The  Christians  soon  this  direful  news  receave, 
The  trump  of  death  sounds  in  their  hearing  shrill, 
Their  weapon,  faith;  their  fortress,  was  the  grave; 
They  had  no  courage,  time,  device,  or  will, 
To  fight,  to  fly,  excuse,  or  pardon  crave, 

But  stood  prepared  to  die,  yet  help  they  find, 
Whence  least  they  hope,  such  knots  can  Heaven  unbind. 

Among  them  dwelt,  her  parents'  joy  and  pleasure, 
A  maid,  whose  fruit  was  ripe,  not  over-yeared, 
Her  beauty  was  her  not  esteemed  treasure ; 
The  field  of  love  with  plough  of  virtue  eared, 
Her  labor  goodness;  godliness  her  leisure; 
Her  house  the  heaven  by  this  full  moon  aye  cleared, 
For  there,  from  lovers'  eyes  withdrawn,  alone 
With  virgin  beams  this  spotless  Cynthia  shone. 

But  what  availed  her  resolution  chaste, 

Whose  soberest  looks  were  whetstones  to  desire? 

Nor  love  consents  that  beauty's  field  lie  waste, 

Her  visage  set  Olindo's  heart  on  fire, 

O  subtle  love,  a  thousand  wiles  thou  hast, 

By  humble  suit,  by  service,  or  by  hire, 

To  win  a  maiden's  hold,  a  thing  soon  done, 
For  nature  framed  all  women  to  be  won. 

Sophronia  she,  Olindo  hight  the  youth, 
Both  of  one  town,  both  in  one  faith  were  taught, 
She  fair,  he  full  of  bashfulness  and  truth, 
Loved  much,  hoped  little,  and  desired  naught, 
He  durst  not  speak  by  suit  to  purchase  ruth, 
She  saw  not,  marked  not,  wist  not  what  he  sought, 
Thus  loved,  thus  served  he  long,  but  not  regarded, 
Unseen,  unmarked,  unpitied,  unrewarded. 


26  TASSO 

To  her  came  message  of  the  murderment, 
Wherein  her  guiltless  friends  should  hopeless  starve, 
She  that  was  noble,  wise,  as  fair  and  gent, 
Cast  how  she  might  their  harmless  lives  preserve, 
Zeal  was  the  spring  whence  flowed  her  hardiment, 
From  maiden  shame  yet  was  she  loth  to  swerve: 
Yet  had  her  courage  ta'en  so  sure  a  hold, 
That  boldness,  shamefaced;  shame  had  made  her  bold. 

And  forth  she  went,  a  shop  for  merchandise 
Full  of  rich  stuff,  but  none  for  sale  exposed, 
A  veil  obscured  the  sunshine  of  her  eyes, 
The  rose  within  herself  her  sweetness  closed, 
Each  ornament  about  her  seemly  lies, 
By  curious  chance,  or  careless  art,  composed; 
For  what  the  most  neglects,  most  curious  prove, 
So  Beauty's  helped  by  Nature,  Heaven,  and  Love. 

Admired  of  all,  on  went  this  noble  maid, 
Until  the  presence  of  the  king  she  gained, 
Nor  for  he  swelled  with  ire  was  she  afraid, 
But  his  fierce  wrath  with  fearless  grace  sustained, 
"  I  come,"  quoth  she,  "  but  be  thine  anger  stayed, 
And  causeless  rage  'gainst  faultless  souls  restrained — 
I  come  to  show  thee,  and  to  bring  thee  both, 
The  wight  whose  fact  hath  made  thy  heart  so  wroth.'* 

Her  modest  boldness,  and  that  lightning  ray 
Which  her  sweet  beauty  streamed  on  his  face, 
Had  struck  the  prince  with  wonder  and  dismay, 
Changed  his  cheer,  and  cleared  his  moody  grace, 
That  had  her  eyes  disposed  their  looks  to  play, 
The  king  had  snared  been  in  love's  strong  lace ; 
But  wayward  beauty  doth  not  fancy  move, 
A  frown  forbids,  a  smile  engendereth  love. 

It  was  amazement,  wonder  and  delight, 
Although  not  love,  that  moved  his  cruel  sense ; 
"  Tell  on,"  quoth  he,  "  unfold  the  chance  aright, 
Thy  people's  lives  I  grant  for  recompense." 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  27 

Then  she,  "  Behold  the  faulter  here  in  sight, 
This  hand  committed  that  supposed  offence, 

I  took  the  image,  mine  that  fault,  that  fact, 

Mine  be  the  glory  of  that  virtuous  act." 

This  spotless  lamb  thus  offered  up  her  blood, 
To  save  the  rest  of  Christ's  selected  fold, 

0  noble  lie !  was  ever  truth  so  good  ? 
Blest  be  the  lips  that  such  a  leasing  told: 
Thoughtful  awhile  remained  the  tyrant  wood, 
His  native  wrath  he  gan  a  space  withhold, 

And  said,  "  That  thou  discover  soon  I  will, 
What  aid?  what  counsel  had'st  thou  in  that  ill?'* 

"  My  lofty  thoughts,"  she  answered  him,  "  envied 
Another's  hand  should  work  my  high  desire, 
The  thirst  of  glory  can  no  partner  bide, 
iWith  mine  own  self  I  did  alone  conspire." 
"  On  thee  alone,"  the  tyrant  then  replied, 
"  Shall  fall  the  vengeance  of  my  wrath  and  ire." 
"  'Tis  just  and  right,"  quoth  she,  "  I  yield  consent, 
Mine  be  the  honor,  mine  the  punishment." 

The  wretch  of  new  enraged  at  the  same, 
Asked  where  she  hid  the  image  so  conveyed : 
"  Not  hid,"  quoth  she,  "  but  quite  consumed  with  flame, 
The  idol  is  of  that  eternal  maid, 
For  so  at  least  I  have  preserved  the  same, 
With  hands  profane  from  being  eft  betrayed. 
My  Lord,  the  thing  thus  stolen  demand  no  more, 
Here  see  the  thief  that  scorneth  death  therefor, 

"  And  yet  no  theft  was  this,  yours  was  the  sin, 

1  brought  again  what  you  unjustly  took." 
This  heard,  the  tyrant  did  for  rage  begin 

To  whet  his  teeth,  and  bend  his  frowning  look, 
No  pity,  youth;  fairness,  no  grace  could  win; 
Joy,  comfort,  hope,  the  virgin  all  forsook; 

Wrath  killed  remorse,  vengeance  stopped  mercy's  breath 

Love's  thrall  to  hate,  and  beauty's  slave  to  death. 

Classics.     Vol.  35— Q 


a8  TASSO 

Ta'en  was  the  damsel,  and  without  remorse, 
The  king  condemned  her  guiltless  to  the  fire, 
Her  veil  and  mantle  plucked  they  off  by  force, 
And  bound  her  tender  arms  in  twisted  wire : 
Dumb  was  the  silver  dove,  while  from  her  corse 
These  hungry  kites  plucked  off  her  rich  attire, 
And  for  some  deal  perplexed  was  her  sprite, 
Her  damask  late,  now  changed  to  purest  white. 

The  news  of  this  mishap  spread  far  and  near, 

The  people  ran,  both  young  and  old,  to  gaze ; 

Olindo  also  ran,  and  gan  to  fear 

His  lady  was  some  partner  in  this  case ; 

But  when  he  found  her  bound,  stript  from  her  gear, 

And  vile  tormentors  ready  saw  in  place, 

He  broke  the  throng,  and  into  presence  brast ; 

And  thus  bespake  the  king  in  rage  and  haste: 

"  Not  so,  not  so  this  girl  shall  bear  away 
From  me  the  honor  of  so  noble  feat, 
She  durst  not,  did  not,  could  not  so  convey 
The  massy  substance  of  that  idol  great, 
What  sleight  had  she  the  wardens  to  betray? 
What  strength  to  heave  the  goddess  from  her  seat? 
No,  no,  my  Lord,  she  sails  but  with  my  wind." 
Ah,  thus  he  loved,  yet  was  his  love  unkind! 

He  added  further :  "  Where  the  shining  glass, 
Lets  in  the  light  amid  your  temple's  side, 
By  broken  by-ways  did  I  inward  pass, 
And  in  that  window  made  a  postern  wide, 
Nor  shall  therefore  this  ill-advised  lass 
Usurp  the  glory  should  this  fact  betide, 

Mine  be  these  bonds,  mine  be  these  flames  so  pure, 
O  glorious  death,  more  glorious  sepulture ! " 

Sophronia  raised  her  modest  looks  from  ground, 
And  on  her  lover  bent  her  eyesight  mild, 
"Tell  me,  what  fury?  what  conceit  unsound 
Presenteth  here  to  death  so  sweet  a  child  ? 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  * 

Is  not  in  me  sufficient  courage  found, 
To  bear  the  anger  of  this  tyrant  wild? 

Or  hath  fond  love  thy  heart  so  over-gone? 

Wouldst  thou  not  live,  nor  let  me  die  alone?14 

Thus  spake  the  nymph,  yet  spake  but  to  the  wind, 
She  could  not  alter  his  well-settled  thought; 
O  miracle !  O  strife  of  wondrous  kind ! 
Where  love  and  virtue  such  contention  wrought, 
Where  death  the  victor  had  for  meed  assigned; 
Their  own  neglect,  each  other's  safety  sought; 
But  thus  the  king  was  more  provoked  to  ire, 
Their  strife  for  bellows  served  to  anger's  fire. 

He  thinks,  such  thoughts  self-guiltiness  finds  out, 
They  scorned  his  power,  and  therefore  scorned  the  pain, 
"  Nay,  nay,"  quoth  he,  "  let  be  your  strife  and  doubt, 
You  both  shall  win,  and  fit  reward  obtain." 
With  that  the  sergeants  hent  the  young  man  stout, 
And  bound  him  likewise  in  a  worthless  chain; 
Then  back  to  back  fast  to  a  stake  both  ties, 
Two  harmless  turtles  digtit  for  sacrifice. 

About  the  pile  of  fagots,  sticks  and  hay, 
The  bellows  raised  the  newly-kindled  flame, 
When  thus  Olindo,  in  a  doleful  lay, 
Begun  too  late  his  bootless  plaints  to  frame: 
"  Be  these  the  bonds?    Is  this  the  hoped-for  day, 
Should  join  me  to  this  long-desired  dame? 

Is  this  the  fire  alike  should  burn  our  hearts? 

Ah,  hard  reward  for  lovers'  kind  desarts! 

"  Far  other  flames  and  bonds  kind  lovers  prove, 
But  thus  our  fortune  casts  the  hapless  die, 
Death  hath  exchanged  again  his  shafts  with  love, 
And  Cupid  thus  lets  borrowed  arrows  fly. 
O  Hymen,  say,  what  fury  doth  thee  move 
To  lend  thy  lamps  to  light  a  tragedy? 
Yet  this  contents  me  that  I  die  for  thee, 
*Thy  flames,  not  mine,  my  death  and  torment  be. 


30  TASSO 

"  Yet  happy  were  my  death,  mine  ending  blest, 
My  torments  easy,  full  of  sweet  delight, 
If  this  I  could  obtain,  that  breast  to  breast 
Thy  bosom  might  receive  my  yielded  sprite; 
And  thine  with  it  in  heaven's  pure  clothing  drest, 
Through  clearest  skies  might  take  united  flight." 
Thus  he  complained,  whom  gently  she  reproved, 
And  sweetly  spake  him  thus,  that  so  her  loved : 

"  Far  other  plaints,  dear  friend,  tears  and  laments 
The  time,  the  place,  and  our  estates  require; 
Think  on  thy  sins,  which  man's  old  foe  presents 
Before  that  judge  that  quits  each  soul  his  hire, 
For  his  name  suffer,  for  no  pain  torments 
Him  whose  just  prayers  to  his  throne  aspire: 
Behold  the  heavens,  thither  thine  eyesight  bend, 
Thy  looks,  sighs,  tears,  for  intercessors  send." 

The  Pagans  loud  cried  out  to  God  and  man, 
The  Christians  mourned  in  silent  lamentation, 
The  tyrant's  self,  a  thing  unused,  began 
To  feel  his  heart  relent,  with  mere  compassion, 
But  not  disposed  to  ruth  or  mercy  than 
He  sped  him  thence  home  to  his  habitation : 
Sophronia  stood  not  grieved  nor  discontented, 
By  all  that  saw  her,  but  herself,  lamented. 

The  lovers  standing  in  this  doleful  wise, 
A  warrior  bold  unwares  approached  near, 
In  uncouth  arms  yclad  and  strange  disguise, 
From  countries  far,  but  new  arrived  there, 
A  savage  tigress  on  her  helmet  lies, 
The  famous  badge  Clorinda  used  to  bear ; 
That  wonts  in  every  warlike  stowre  to  win, 
By  which  bright  sign  well  known  was  that  fair  inn. 

She  scorned  the  arts  these  silly  women  use, 
Another  thought  her  nobler  humor  fed, 
Her  lofty  hand  would  of  itself  refuse 
rTo  touch  the  dainty  needle  or  nice  thread, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  31 

She  hated  chambers,  closets,  secret  mews, 
And  in  broad  fields  preserved  her  maidenhead: 

Proud  were  her  looks,  yet  sweet,  though  stern  and  stout, 
Her  dam  a  dove,  thus  brought  an  eagle  out. 

While  she  was  young,  she  used  with  tender  hand 
The  foaming  steed  with  froary  bit  to  steer, 
To  tilt  and  tourney,  wrestle  in  the  sand, 
To  leave  with  speed  Atlanta  swift  arear, 
Through  forests  wild,  and  unfrequented  land 
To  chase  the  lion,  boar,  or  rugged  bear, 

The  satyrs  rough,  the  fauns  and  fairies  wild, 
She  chased  oft,  oft  took,  and  oft  beguiled. 

f 
This  lusty  lady  came  from  Persia  late, 

She  with  the  Christians  had  encountered  eft, 
And  in  their  flesh  had  opened  many  a  gate, 
By  which  their  faithful  souls  their  bodies  left, 
'Her  eye  at  first  presented  her  the  state 
Of  these  poor  souls,  of  hope  and  help  bereft, 
Greedy  to  know,  as  is  the  mind  of  man, 
Their  cause  of  death,  swift  to  the  fire  she  ran. 

The  people  made  her  room,  and  on  them  twain 
Her  piercing  eyes  their  fiery  weapons  dart, 
Silent  she  saw  the  one,  the  other  'plain, 
The  weaker  body  lodged  the  nobler  heart : 
Yet  him  she  saw  lament,  as  if  his  pain 
Were  grief  and  sorrow  for  another's  smart, 

And  her  keep  silence  so,  as  if  her  eyes 

Dumb  orators  were  to  entreat  the  skies. 

Clorinda  changed  to  ruth  her  warlike  mood, 

Few  silver  drops  her  vermeil  cheeks  depaint; 

Her  sorrow  was  for  her  that  speechless  stood, 

Her  silence  more  prevailed  than  his  complaint. 

She  asked  an  aged  man,  seemed  grave  and  good, 

"  Come  say  me,  sir,"  quoth  she,  "  what  hard  constraint 

Would  murder  here  love's  queen  and  beauty's  king? 

What  fault  or  fare  doth  to  this  death  them  bring?" 


3*  TASSO 

Thus  she  inquired,  and  answer  short  he  gave, 
But  such  as  all  the  chance  at  large  disclosed, 
She  wondered  at  the  case,  the  virgin  brave, 
That  both  were  guiltless  of  the  fault  supposed, 
Her  noble  thought  cast  how  she  might  them  save, 
The  means  on  suit  or  battle  she  reposed. 

Quick  to  the  fire  she  ran,  and  quenched  it  out, 
And  thus  bespake  the  sergeants  and  the  rout: 

"  Be  there  not  one  among  you  all  that  dare 
In  this  your  hateful  office  aught  proceed, 
Till  I  return  from  court,  nor  take  you  care 
To  reap  displeasure  for  not  making  speed." 
To  do  her  will  the  men  themselves  prepare, 
In  their  faint  hearts  her  looks  such  terror  breed; 
To  court  she  went,  their  pardon  would  she  get, 
But  on  the  way  the  courteous  king  she  met. 

"  Sir  King,"  quoth  she,  "  my  name  Clorinda  hight, 
My  fame  perchance  has  pierced  your  ears  ere  now, 
I  come  to  try  my  wonted  power  and  might, 
And  will  defend  this  land,  this  town,  and  you, 
All  hard  assays  esteem  I  eath  and  light, 
Great  acts  I  reach  to,  to  small  things  I  bow, 
To  fight  in  field,  or  to  defend  this  wall, 
Point  what  you  list,  I  naught  refuse  at  all." 

To  whom  the  king,  "  What  land  so  far  remote 
From  Asia's  coasts,  or  Phoebus'  glistering  rays, 

0  glorious  virgin,  that  recordeth  not 

Thy  fame,  thine  honor,  worth,  renown,  and  praise? 
Since  on  my  side  I  have  thy  succors  got, 

1  need  not  fear  in  these  my  aged  days, 

For  in  thine  aid  more  hope,  more  trust  I  have, 
Than  in  whole  armies  of  these  soldiers  brave. 

"  Now,  Godfrey  stays  too  long ;  he  fears,  I  ween ; 
Thy  courage  great  keeps  all  our  foes  in  awe ; 
For  thee  all  actions  far  unworthy  been, 
But  such  as  greatest  danger  with  them  draw: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  33 

Be  you  commandress  therefore,  Princess,  Queen 

Of  all  our  forces :  be  thy  word  a  law." 
This  said,  the  virgin  gan  her  beaver  vail, 
And  thanked  him  first,  and  thus  began  her  tale. 

"  A  thing  unused,  great  monarch,  may  it  seem, 
To  ask  reward  for  service  yet  to  come; 
But  so  your  virtuous  bounty  I  esteem, 
That  I  presume  for  to  intreat  this  groom 
And  silly  maid  from  danger  to  redeem, 
Condemned  to  burn  by  your  unpartial  doom, 

I  not  excuse,  but  pity  much  their  youth, 

And  come  to  you  for  mercy  and  for  ruth. 

"  Yet  give  me  leave  to  tell  your  Highness  this, 

You  blame  the  Christians,  them  my  thoughts  acquite, 

Nor  be  displeased,  I  say  you  judge  amiss, 

At  every  shot  look  not  to  hit  the  white, 

All  what  the  enchanter  did  persuade  you,  is 

Against  the  lore  of  Macon's  sacred  rite, 

For  us  commandeth  mighty  Mahomet 

No  idols  in  his  temple  pure  to  set. 

"  To  him  therefore  this  wonder  done  refar, 
Give  him  the  praise  and  honor  of  the  thing, 
Of  us  the  gods  benign  so  careful  are 
Lest  customs  strange  into  their  church  we  bring: 
Let  Ismen  with  hi:  squares  and  trigons  war, 
His  weapons  be  the  staff,  the  glass,  the  ring; 
But  let  us  manage  war  with  blows  like  knight*, 
Our  praise  in  arms,  our  honor  lies  in  fights." 

The  virgin  held  her  peace  when  this  was  said ; 
And  though  to  pity  he  never  framed  his  thought, 
Yet,  for  the  king  admired  the  noble  maid, 
His  purpose  was  not  to  deny  her  aught : 
"  I  grant  them  life,"  quoth  he,  "  your  promised  aid 
Against  these  Frenchmen  hath  their  pardon  bought: 
Nor  further  seek  what  their  offences  be, 
Guiltless,  I  quit ;  guilty,  I  set  them  free." 


34 


TASSO 

Thus  were  they  loosed,  happiest  of  humankind, 
Olindo,  blessed  be  this  act  of  thine, 
True  witness  of  thy  great  and  heavenly  mind, 
Where  sun,  moon,  stars,  of  love,  faith,  virtue,  shine. 
So  forth  they  went  and  left  pale  death  behind, 
To  joy  the  bliss  of  marriage  rites  divine, 

With  her  he  would  have  died,  with  him  content 
Was  she  to  live  that  would  with  her  have  brent. 

The  king,  as  wicked  thoughts  are  most  suspicious, 

Supposed  too  fast  this  tree  of  virtue  grew, 

O  blessed  Lord !  why  should  this  Pharaoh  vicious, 

Thus  tyrannize  upon  thy  Hebrews  true? 

Who  to  perform  his  will,  vile  and  malicious, 

Exiled  these,  and  all  the  faithful  crew, 

All  that  were  strong  of  body,  stout  of  mind, 
But  kept  their  wives  and  children  pledge  behind. 

A  hard  division,  when  the  harmless  sheep 
Must  leave  their  lambs  to  hungry  wolves  in  charge, 
But  labor's  virtues  watching,  ease  her  sleep, 
Trouble  best  wind  that  drives  salvation's  barge, 
The  Christians  fled,  whither  they  took  no  keep, 
Some  strayed  wild  among  the  forests  large, 
Some  to  Emmaus  to  the  Christian  host, 
And  conquer  would  again  their  houses  lost 

Emmaus  is  a  city  small,  that  lies 
From  Sion's  walls  distant  a  little  way, 
A  man  that  early  on  the  morn  doth  rise, 
May  thither  walk  ere  third  hour  of  the  day. 
Oh,  when  the  Christian  lord  this  town  espies 
How  merry  were  their  hearts?    How  fresh?     How  gay? 
But  for  the  sun  inclined  fast  to  west, 
That  night  there  would  their  chieftain  take  his  rest. 

Their  canvas  castles  up  they  quickly  rear, 
And  build  a  city  in  an  hour's  space. 
When  lo,  disguised  in  unusual  gear, 
Two  barons  bold  approachen  gan  the  place; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  35 

Their  semblance  kind,  and  mild  their  gestures  were, 
Peace  in  their  hands,  and  friendship  in  their  face, 
From  Egypt's  king  ambassadors  they  come, 
Them  many  a  squire  attends,  and  many  a  groom. 

The  first  Aletes,  born  in  lowly  shed, 

Of  parents  base,  a  rose  sprung  from  a  brier, 

That  now  his  branches  over  Egypt  spread, 

No  plant  in  Pharaoh's  garden  prospered  higher; 

With  pleasing  tales  his  lord's  vain  ears  he  fed, 

A  flatterer,  a  pick-thank,  and  a  liar : 

Cursed  be  estate  got  with  so  many  a  crime, 
Yet  this  is  oft  the  stair  by  which  men  climb. 

Argantes  called  is  that  other  knight, 
A  stranger  came  he  late  to  Egypt  land, 
And  there  advanced  was  to  honor's  height, 
For  he  was  stout  of  courage,  strong  of  hand, 
Bold  was  his  heart,  and  restless  was  his  sprite, 
Fierce,  stern,  outrageous,  keen  as  sharpened  brand, 
Scorner  of  God,  scant  to  himself  a  friend, 
And  pricked  his  reason  on  his  weapon's  end. 

• 

These  two  entreatance  made  they  might  be  heard, 
Nor  was  their  just  petition  long  denied; 
The  gallants  quickly  made  their  court  of  guard, 
And  brought  them  in  where  sate  their  famous  guide, 
Whose  kingly  look  his  princely  mind  declared, 
Where  noblesse,  virtue,  troth,  and  valor  bide. 

A  slender  courtesy  made  Argantes  bold, 

So  as  one  prince  salute  another  wold ; 

Aletes  laid  his  right  hand  on  his  heart, 
Bent  down  his  head,  and  cast  his  eyes  full  low, 
And  reverence  made  with  courtly  grace  and  art, 
For  all  that  humble  lore  to  him  was  know ; 
His  sober  lips  then  did  he  softly  part, 
Whence  of  pure  rhetoric,  whole  streams  outflow, 
And  thus  he  said,  while  on  the  Christian  lords 
Down  fell  the  mildew  of  his  sugared  words : 


36  TASSO 

"  O  only  worthy,  whom  the  earth  all  fears, 
High  God  defend  thee  with  his  heavenly  shield, 
And  humble  so  the  hearts  of  all  thy  peers, 
That  their  stiff  necks  to  thy  sweet  yoke  may  yield: 
These  be  the  sheaves  that  honor's  harvest  bears, 
The  seed  thy  valiant  acts,  the  world  the  field, 
Egypt  the  headland  is,  where  heaped  lies 
Thy  fame,  worth,  justice,  wisdom,  victories. 

"  These  altogether  doth  our  sovereign  hide 

In  secret  store-house  of  his  princely  thought, 

And  prays  he  may  in  long  accordance  bide, 

With  that  great  worthy  which  such  wonders  wrought, 

Nor  that  oppose  against  the  coming  tide 

Of  proffered  love,  for  that  he  is  not  taught 

Your  Christian  faith,  for  though  of  divers  kind, 
The  loving  vine  about  her  elm  is  twined. 

"  Receive  therefore  in  that  unconquered  hand 
The  precious  handle  of  this  cup  of  love, 
If  not  religion,  virtue  be  the  band 
'Twixt  you  to  fasten  friendship  not  to  move : 
But  for  our  mighty  king  doth  understand,. 
You  mean  your  power  'gainst  Juda  land  to  prove, 
He  would,  before  this  threatened  tempest  fell, 
I  should  his  mind  and  princely  will  first  tell. 

"  His  mind  is  this,  he  prays  thee  be  contented 
To  joy  in  peace  the  conquests  thou  hast  got, 
Be  not  thy  death,  or  Sion's  fall  lamented, 
Forbear  this  land,  Judea  trouble  not, 
Things  done  in  haste  at  leisure  be  repented: 
Withdraw  thine  arms,  trust  not  uncertain  lot, 

For  oft  we  see  what  least  we  think  betide ; 

He  is  thy  friend  'gainst  all  the  world  beside. 

"  True  laborer  in  the  vineyard  of  thy  Lord, 
Ere  prime  thou  hast  the  imposed  day-work  done, 
What  armies  conquered,  perished  with  thy  sword? 
What  cities  sacked?  what  kingdoms  hast  thou  won? 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  37 

All  ears  are  mazed  while  tongues  thine  acts  record, 
Hands  quake  for  fear,  all  feet  for  dread  do  run, 
And  though  no  realms  you  may  to  thraldom  bring, 
No  higher  can  your  praise,  your  glory  spring. 

"  Thy  sign  is  in  his  Apogaeon  placed, 

And  when  it  moveth  next,  must  needs  descend, 

Chance  is  uncertain,  fortune  double  faced, 

Smiling  at  first,  she  frowneth  in  the  end: 

Beware  thine  honor  be  not  then  disgraced, 

Take  heed  thou  mar  not  when  thou  think'st  to  mend, 

For  this  the  folly  is  of  Fortune's  play, 

'Gainst  doubtful,  certain;  much,  'gainst  small  to  lay. 

"  Yet  still  we  sail  while  prosperous  blows  the  wind, 
Till  on  some  secret  rock  unwares  we  light, 
The  sea  of  glory  hath  no  banks  assigned, 
They  who  are  wont  to  win  in  every  fight 
Still  feed  the  fire  that  so  inflames  thy  mind 
To  bring  more  nations  subject  to  thy  might; 
This  makes  thee  blessed  peace  so  light  to  hold, 
Like  summer's  flies  that  fear  not  winter's  cold. 

"  They  bid  thee  follow  on  the  path,  now  made 

So  plain  and  easy,  enter  Fortune's  gate, 

Nor  in  thy  scabbard  sheathe  that  famous  blade, 

Till  settled  be  thy  kingdom,  and  estate, 

Till  Macon's  sacred  doctrine  fall  and  fade, 

Till  woeful  Asia  all  lie  desolate. 

Sweet  words  I  grant,  baits  and  allurements  sweet, 
But  greatest  hopes  oft  greatest  crosses  meet. 

"  For,  if  thy  courage  do  not  blind  thine  eyes, 
If  clouds  of  fury  hide  not  reason's  beams, 
Then  may'st  thou  see  this  desperate  enterprise, 
The  field  of  death,  watered  with  danger's  streams ; 
High  state,  the  bed  is  where  misfortune  lies, 
Mars  most  unfriendly,  when  most  kind  he  seems, 
Who  climbeth  high,  on  earth  he  hardest  lights,  \ 
And  lowest  falls  attend  the  highest  flights. 


38  TASSO 

"  Tell  me  if,  great  in  counsel,  arms  and  gold, 
The  Prince  of  Egypt  war  'gainst  you  prepare, 
What  if  the  valiant  Turks  and  Persians  bold, 
Unite  their  forces  with  Cassanoe's  heir  ? 
Oh  then,  what  marble  pillar  shall  uphold 
The  falling  trophies  of  your  conquest  fair? 

Trust  you  the  monarch  of  the  Greekish  land? 

That  reed  will  break ;  and  breaking,  wound  your  hand. 

"  The  Greekish  faith  is  like  that  half-cut  tree 
By  which  men  take  wild  elephants  in  Inde, 
A  thousand  times  it  hath  beguiled  thee, 
As  firm  as  waves  in  seas,  or  leaves  in  wind. 
Will  they,  who  erst  denied  you  passage  free, 
Passage  to  all  men  free,  by  use  and  kind, 
Fight  for  your  sake  ?    Or  on  them  do  you  trust 
To  spend  their  blood,  that  could  scarce  spare  their  dust  ? 

"  But  all  your  hope  and  trust  perchance  is  laid 
In  these  strong  troops,  which  thee  environ  round ; 
Yet  foes  unite  are  not  so  soon  dismayed 
As  when  their  strength  you  erst  divided  found: 
Besides,  each  hour  thy  bands  are  weaker  made 
With  hunger,  slaughter,  lodging  on  cold  ground, 
Meanwhile  the  Turks  seek  succors  from  our  king, 
Thus  fade  thy  helps,  and  thus  thy  cumbers  spring. 

"  Suppose  no  weapon  can  thy  valor's  pride 

Subdue,  that  by  no  force  thou  may'st  be  won, 

Admit  no  steel  can  hurt  or  wound  thy  side, 

And  be  it  Heaven  hath  thee  such  favor  done : 

'Gainst  Famine  yet  what  shield  canst  thou  provide? 

What  strength  resist  ?     What  sleight  her  wrath  can  shun  ? 

Go,  shake  the  spear,  and  draw  thy  flaming  blade, 

And  try  if  hunger  so  be  weaker  made. 

"  The  inhabitants  each  pasture  and  each  plain 
Destroyed  have,  each  field  to  waste  is  laid, 
In  fenced  towers  bestowed  is  their  grain 
Before  thou  cam'st  this  kingdom  to  invade, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  39 

These  horse  and  foot,  how  canst  thou  them  sustain? 

.Whence  comes  thy  store?  whence  thy  provision  made? 
Thy  ships  to  bring  it  are,  perchance,  assigned, 
Oh,  that  you  live  so  long  as  please  the  wind ! 

"  Perhaps  thy  fortune  doth  control  the  wind, 

Doth  loose  or  bind  their  blasts  in  secret  cave, 

The  sea,  pardie,  cruel  and  deaf  by  kind, 

Will  hear  thy  call,  and  still  her  raging  wave: 

But  if  our  armed  galleys  be  assigned 

To  aid  those  ships  which  Turks  and  Persians  have, 

Say  then,  what  hope  is  left  thy  slender  fleet  ? 

Dare  flocks  of  crows,  a  flight  of  eagles  meet? 

"  My  lord,  a  double  conquest  must  you  make, 

If  you  achieve  renown  by  this  emprise: 

For  if  our  fleet  your  navy  chase  or  take, 

For  want  of  victuals  all  your  camp  then  dies; 

Or  if  by  land  the  field  you  once  forsake, 

Then  vain  by  sea  were  hope  of  victories. 

Nor  could  your  ships  restore  your  lost  estate : 
For  steed  once  stolen,  we  shut  the  door  too  late. 

"  In  this  estate,  if  thou  esteemest  light 
The  proffered  kindness  of  the  Egyptian  king, 
Then  give  me  leave  to  say,  this  oversight 
Beseems  thee  not,  in  whom  such  virtues  spring : 
But  heavens  vouchsafe  to  guide  thy  mind  aright, 
To  gentle  thoughts,  that  peace  and  quiet  bring, 
So  that  poor  Asia  her  complaints  may  cease, 
And  you  enjoy  your  conquests  got,  in  peace. 

"  Nor  ye  that  part  in  these  adventures  have, 

Part  in  his  glory,  partners  in  his  harms, 

Let  not  blind  Fortune  so  your  minds  deceive, 

To  stir  him  more  to  try  these  fierce  alarms, 

But  like  the  sailor  'scaped  from  the  wave 

From  further  peril  that  his  person  arms 
By  staying  safe  at  home,  so  stay  you  all, 
Better  sit  still,  men  say,  than  rise  to  fall." 


40  TASSO 

This  said  Aletes :  and  a  murmur  rose 
That  showed  dislike  among  the  Christian  peers, 
Their  angry  gestures  with  mislike  disclose 
How  much  his  speech  offends  their  noble  ears. 
Lord  Godfrey's  eye  three  times  environ  goes, 
To  view  what  countenance  every  warrior  bears, 
And  lastly  on  the  Egyptian  baron  stayed, 
To  whom  the  duke  thus  for  his  answer  said: 

"  Ambassador,  full  both  of  threats  and  praise, 
Thy  doubtful  message  hast  thou  wisely  told, 
And  if  thy  sovereign  love  us  as  he  says, 
Tell  him  he  sows  to  reap  an  hundred  fold, 
But  where  thy  talk  the  coming  storm  displays 
Of  threatened  warfare  from  the  Pagans  bold: 
To  that  I  answer,  as  my  custom  is, 
In  plainest  phrase,  lest  my  intent  thou  miss. 

"  Know,  that  till  now  we  suffered  have  much  pain, 
By  lands  and  seas,  where  storms  and  tempests  fall, 
To  make  the  passage  easy,  safe,  and  plain 
That  leads  us  to  this  venerable  wall, 
That  so  we  might  reward  from  Heaven  obtain, 
And  free  this  town  from  being  longer  thrall ; 
Nor  is  it  grievous  to  so  good  an  end 
Our  honors,  kingdoms,  lives  and  goods  to  spend. 

"  Nor  hope  of  praise,  nor  thirst  of  worldly  good, 

Enticed  us  to  follow  this  emprise, 

The  Heavenly  Father  keep  his  sacred  brood 

From  foul  infection  of  so  great  a  vice : 

But  by  our  zeal  aye  be  that  plague  withstood, 

Let  not  those  pleasures  us  to  sin  entice. 

His  grace,  his  mercy,  and  his  powerful  hand 
Will  keep  us  safe  from  hurt  by  sea  and  land. 

"  This  is  the  spur  that  makes  our  coursers  run ; 
This  is  our  harbor,  safe  from  danger's  floods ; 
This  is  our  bield,  the  blustering  winds  to  shun  : 
This  is  our  guide,  through  forests,  deserts,  woods: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  41 

This  is  our  summer's  shade,  our  winter's  sun : 
This  is  our  wealth,  our  treasure,  and  our  goods : 
This  is  our  engine,  towers  that  overthrows, 
Our  spear  that  hurts,  our  sword  that  wounds  our  foes. 

"  Our  courage  hence,  our  hope,  our  valor  springs, 
Not  from  the  trust  we  have  in  shield  or  spear, 
Not  from  the  succors  France  or  Grecia  brings, 
On  such  weak  posts  we  list  no  buildings  rear : 
He  can  defend  us  from  the  power  of  kings, 
From  chance  of  war,  that  makes  weak  hearts  to  fear ; 
He  can  these  hungry  troops  with  manna  feed, 
And  make  the  seas  land,  if  we  passage  need. 

"  But  if  our  sins  us  of  his  help  deprive, 

Or  his  high  justice  let  no  mercy  fall ; 

Yet  should  our  deaths  us  some  contentment  give, 

To  die,  where  Christ  received  his  burial, 

So  might  we  die,  not  envying  them  that  live; 

So  would  we  die,  not  unrevenged  all : 

Nor  Turks,  nor  Christian*,  if  we  perish  such, 
Have  cause  to  joy,  or  to  complain  too  much. 

"  Think  not  that  wars  we  love,  and  strife  affect, 
Or  that  we  hate  sweet  peace,  or  rest  denay, 
Think  not  your  sovereign's  friendship  we  reject, 
Because  we  list  not  in  our  conquests  stay: 
But  for  it  seems  he  would  the  Jews  protect, 
Pray  him  from  us  that  thought  aside  to  lay, 
Nor  us  forbid  this  town  and  realm  to  gain, 
And  he  in  peace,  rest,  joy,  long  more  may  reign.'* 

This  answer  given,  Argantes  wild  drew  nar, 
Trembling  for  ire,  and  waxing  pale  for  rage, 
Nor  could  he  hold,  his  wrath  increased  so  far, 
But  thus  inflamed  bespake  the  captain  sage: 
"  Who  scorneth  peace  shall  have  his  fill  of  war, 
I  thought  my  wisdom  should  thy  fury  'suage, 
But  well  you  show  what  joy  you  take  in  fight, 
Which  makes  you  prize  our  love  and  friendship  light." 


49  TASSO 

This  said,  he  took  his  mantle's  foremost  part, 
And  gan  the  same  together  fold  and  wrap ; 
Then  spake  again  with  fell  and  spiteful  heart, 
So  lions  roar  enclosed  in  train  or  trap, 
"  Thou  proud  despiser  of  inconstant  mart, 
I  bring  thee  war  and  peace  closed  in  this  lap, 

Take  quickly  one,  thou  hast  no  time  to  muse ; 

If  peace,  we  rest,  we  fight,  if  war  thou  choose." 

His  semblant  fierce  and  speeches  proud,  provoke 
The  soldiers  all,  "  War,  war,"  at  once  to  cry, 
Nor  could  they  tarry  till  their  chieftain  spoke, 
But  for  the  knight  was  more  inflamed  hereby, 
His  lap  he  opened  and  spread  forth  his  cloak: 
"  To  mortal  wars,"  he  says,  "  T  you  defy ;  " 
And  this  he  uttered  with  fell  rage  and  hate, 
And  seemed  of  Janus'  church  to  undo  the  gate. 

It  seemed  fury,  discord,  madness  fell 
Flew  from  his  lap,  when  he  unfolds  the  same; 
His  glaring  eyes  with  anger's  venom  swell, 
And  like  the  brand  of  foul  Alecto  flame, 
He  looked  like  huge  Tiphoius  loosed  from  hell 
Again  to  shake  heaven's  everlasting  frame, 
Or  him  that  built  the  tower  of  Shinaar, 
Which  threat'neth  battle  'gainst  the  morning  star. 

Godfredo  then :  "  Depart,  and  bid  your  king 
Haste  hitherward,  or  else  within  short  while, — 
For  gladly  we  accept  the  war  you  bring, — 
Let  him  expect  us  on  the  banks  of  Nile." 
He  entertained  them  then  with  banqueting, 
And  gifts  presented  to  those  Pagans  vile; 
Aletes  had  a  helmet,  rich  and  gay, 
Late  found  at  Nice  among  the  conquered  prey. 

Argant  a  sword,  whereof  the  web  was  steel, 
Pommel,  rich  stone ;   hilt  gold ;  approved  by  touch 
With  rarest  workmanship  all  forged  weel, 
The  curious  art  excelled  the  substance  much: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  43 

Thus  fair,  rich,  sharp,  to  see,  to  have,  to  feel, 

Glad  was  the  Paynim  to  enjoy  it  such, 
And  said,  "  How  I  this  gift  can  use  and  wield, 
Soon  shall  you  see,  when  first  we  meet  in  field." 

Thus  took  they  congee,  and  the  angry  knight 
Thus  to  his  fellow  parleyed  on  the  way, 
"  Go  thou  by  day,  but  let  me  walk  by  night, 
Go  thou  to  Egypt,  I  at  Sion  stay, 
The  answer  given  thou  canst  unfold  aright, 
No  need  of  me,  what  I  can  do  or  say, 

Among  these  arms  I  will  go  wreak  my  spite; 

Let  Paris  court  it,  Hector  loved  to  fight." 

Thus  he  who  late  arrived  a  messenger 
Departs  a  foe,  in  act,  in  word,  in  thought, 
The  law  of  nations  or  the  lore  of  war, 
If  he  transgress  or  no,  he  recketh  naught, 
Thus  parted  they,  and  ere  he  wandered  far 
The  friendly  star-light  to  the  walls  him  brought : 
Yet  his  fell  heart  thought  long  that  little  way, 
Grieved  with  each  stop,  tormented  with  each  stay. 

Now  spread  the  night  her  spangled  canopy, 
And  summoned  every  restless  eye  to  sleep ; 
On  beds  of  tender  grass  the  beasts  down  lie, 
The  fishes  slumbered  in  the  silent  deep, 
Unheard  were  serpent's  hiss  and  dragon's  cry, 
Birds -left  to  sing,  and  Philomen  to  weep, 

Only  that  noise  heaven's  rolling  circles  kest, 

Sung  lullaby  to  bring  the  world  to  rest. 

Yet  neither  sleep,  nor  ease,  nor  shadows  dark, 
Could  make  the  faithful  camp  or  captain  rest, 
They  longed  to  see  the  day,  to  hear  the  lark 
Record  her  hymns  and  chant  her  carols  blest, 
They  yearned  to  view  the  walls,  the  wished  mark 
To  which  their  journeys  long  they  had  addressed; 
Each  heart  attends,  each  longing  eye  beholds 
What  beam  the  eastern  window  first  unfolds. 


THIRD  BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 
The  camp  at  great  Jerusalem  arrives: 
Clorinda  gives  them  battle,  in  the  breast 
Of  fair  Erminia  Tancred's  love  revives, 
He  jousts  with  her  unknown  whom  he  loved  best; 
Argant  th'  adventurers  of  their  guide  deprives, 
With  stately  pomp  they  lay  their  Lord  in  chest: 
Godfrey  commands  to  cut  the  forest  down, 
And  make  strong  engines  to  assault  the  town. 

THE  purple  morning  left  her  crimson  bed, 
And  donned  her  robes  of  pure  vermilion  hue, 
Her  amber  locks  she  crowned  with  roses  red, 
In  Eden's  flowery  gardens  gathered  new. 
When  through  the  camp  a  murmur  shrill  was  spread, 
Arm,  arm,  they  cried;  arm,  arm,  the  trumpets  blew, 
Their  merry  noise  prevents  the  joyful  blast, 
So  hum  small  bees,  before  their  swarms  they  cast. 

Their  captain  rules  their  courage,  guides  their  heat, 
Their  forwardness  he  stayed  with  gentle  rein; 
And  yet  more  easy,  haply,  were  the  feat 
To  stop  the  current  near  Charybdis  main, 
Or  calm  the  blustering  winds  on  mountains  great, 
Than  fierce  desires  of  warlike  hearts  restrain ; 
He  rules  them  yet,  and  ranks  them  in  their  haste, 
For  well  he  knows  disordered  speed  makes  waste. 

Feathered  their  thoughts,  their  feet  in  wings  were  dight, 
Swiftly  they  marched,  yet  were  not  tired  thereby, 
For  willing  minds  make  heaviest  burdens  light. 
But  when  the  gliding  sun  was  mounted  high, 

44 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  45 

Jerusalem,  behold,  appeared  in  sight, 

Jerusalem  they  view,  they  see,  they  spy, 
Jerusalem  with  merry  noise  they  greet, 
With  joyful  shouts,  and  acclamations  sweet. 

As  when  a  troop  of  jolly  sailors  row 

Some  new-found  land  and  country  to  descry, 

Through  dangerous  seas  and  under  stars  unknowe, 

Thrall  to  the  faithless  waves,  and  trothless  sky, 

If  once  the  wished  shore  begin  to  show, 

They  all  salute  it  with  a  joyful  cry, 

And  each  to  other  show  the  land  in  haste, 
Forgetting  quite  their  pains  and  perils  past. 

To  that  delight  which  their  first  sight  did  breed, 
That  pleased  so  the  secret  of  their  thought 
A  deep  repentance  did  forthwith  succeed 
That  reverend  fear  and  trembling  with  it  brought, 
Scantly  they  durst  their  feeble  eyes  dispreed 
Upon  that  town  where  Christ  was  sold  and  bought, 
Where  for  our  sins  he  faultless  suffered  pain, 
There  where  he  died  and  where  he  lived  again. 

Soft  words,  low  speech,  deep  sobs,  sweet  sighs,  salt  tears 
Rose  from  their  breasts,  with  joy  and  pleasure  mixed; 
For  thus  fares  he  the  Lord  aright  that  fears, 
Fear  on  devotion,  joy  on  faith  is  fixed : 
Such  noise  their  passions  make,  as  when  one  hears 
The  hoarse  sea  waves  roar,  hollow  rocks  betwixt ; 
Or  as  the  wind  in  holts  and  shady  greaves, 
A  murmur  makes  among  the  boughs  and  leaves. 

Their  naked  feet  trod  on  the  dusty  way, 
Following  the  ensample  of  their  zealous  guide, 
Their  scarfs,  their  crests,  their  plumes  and  feathers  gay, 
They  quickly  doffed,  and  willing  laid  aside, 
Their  molten  hearts  their  wonted  pride  allay, 
Along  their  watery  cheeks  warm  tears  down  slide, 
And  then  such  secret  speech  as  this,  they  used,  / 
While  to  himself  each  one  himself  accused. 


TASSO 

"  Flower  of  goodness,  root  of  lasting  bliss, 
Thou  well  of  life,  whose  streams  were  purple  blood 
That  flowed  here,  to  cleanse  the  soul  amiss 
Of  sinful  man,  behold  this  brinish  flood, 
That  from  my  melting  heart  distilled  is, 
Receive  in  gree  these  tears,  O  Lord  so  good, 
For  never  wretch  with  sin  so  overgone 
Had  fitter  time  or  greater  cause  to  moan." 

This  while  the  wary  watchman  looked  over, 
From  tops  of  Sion's  towers,  the  hills  and  dales, 
And  saw  the  dust  the  fields  and  pastures  cover, 
As  when  thick  mists  arise  from  moory  vales. 
At  last  the  sun-bright  shields  he  gan  discover, 
And  glistering  helms  for  violence  none  that  fails, 
The  metal  shone  like  lightning  bright  in  skies, 
And  man  and  horse  amid  the  dust  descries. 

Then  loud  he  cries,  "  O  what  a  dust  ariseth ! 
O  how  it  shines  with  shields  and  targets  clear! 
Up,  up,  to  arms,  for  valiant  heart  despiseth 
The  threatened  storm  of  death  and  danger  near. 
Behold  your  foes ;  "  then  further  thus  deviseth, 
"  Haste,  haste,  for  vain  delay  increaseth  fear, 
These  horrid  clouds  of  dust  that  yonder  fly, 
Your  coming  foes  does  hide,  and  hide  the  sky." 

The  tender  children,  and  the  fathers  old, 
The  aged  matrons,  and  the  virgin  chaste, 
That  durst  not  shake  the  spear,  nor  target  hold, 
Themselves  devoutly  in  their  temples  placed; 
The  rest,  of  members  strong  and  courage  bold, 
On  hardy  breasts  their  harness  donned  in  haste, 
Some  to  the  walls,  some  to  the  gates  them  dight, 
Their  king  meanwhile  directs  them  all  aright. 

All  things  well  ordered,  he  withdrew  with  speed 
Up  to  a  turret  high,  two  ports  between, 
That  so  he  might  be  near  at  every  need, 
And  overlook  the  lands  and  furrows  green. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  47 

Thither  he  did  the  sweet  Erminia  lead, 

That  in  his  court  had  entertained  been 

Since  Christians  Antioch  did  to  bondage  bring, 
And  slew  her  father,  who  thereof  was  king. 

Against  their  foes  Clorinda  sallied  out, 
And  many  a  baron  bold  was  by  her  side, 
Within  the  postern  stood  Argantes  stout 
To  rescue  her,  if  ill  mote  her  betide: 
With  speeches  brave  she  cheered  her  warlike  rout, 
And  with  bold  words  them  heartened  as  they  ride, 
"  Let  us  by  some  brave  act,"  quoth  she,  "  this  day 
Of  Asia's  hopes  the  groundwork  found  and  lay." 

While  to  her  folk  thus  spake  the  virgin  brave, 
Thereby  behold  forth  passed  a  Christian  band 
Toward  the  camp,  that  herds  of  cattle  drave, 
For  they  that  morn  had  forayed  all  the  land; 
The  fierce  virago  would  that  booty  save, 
Whom  their  commander  singled  hand  for  hand, 
A  mighty  man  at  arms,  who  Guardo  hight, 
But  far  too  weak  to  match  with  her  in  fight. 

They  met,  and  low  in  dust  was  Guardo  laid, 
'Twixt  either  army,  from  his  sell  down  kest, 
The  Pagans  shout  for  joy,  and  hopeful  said, 
Those  good  beginnings  would  have  endings  blest: 
Against  the  rest  on  went  the  noble  maid, 
She  broke  the  helm,  and  pierced  the  armed  breast, 
Her  men  the  paths  rode  through  made  by  her  sword, 
They  pass  the  stream  where  she  had  found  the  ford,. 

Soon  was  the  prey  out  of  their  hands  recovered, 
By  step  and  step  the  Frenchmen  gan  retire, 
Till  on  a  little  hill  at  last  they  hovered, 
Whose  strength  preserved  them  from  Clorinda's  ire: 
When,  as  a  tempest  that  hath  long  been  covered 
In  watery  clouds  breaks  out  with  sparkling  fire, 
With  his  strong  squadron  Lord  Tancredi  came, 
His  heart  with  rage,  his  eyes  with  courage  flame. 


48  TASSO 

Mast  great  the  spear  was  which  the  gallant  bore 
That  in  his  warlike  pride  he  made  to  shake, 
As  winds  tall  cedars  toss  on  mountains  hoar: 
The  king,  that  wondered  at  his  bravery,  spake 
To  her,  that  near  him  seated  was  before, 
iWho  felt  her  heart  with  love's  hot  fever  quake, 

"  Well  shouldst  thou  know,"  quoth  he,  "  each  Christian 
knight, 

By  long  acquaintance,  though  in  armor  dight. 

"  Say,  who  is  he  shows  so  great  worthiness, 
That  rides  so  rank,  and  bends  his  lance  so  fell  ?  " 
To  this  the  princess  said  nor  more  nor  less, 
Her  heart  with  sighs,  her  eyes  with  tears,  did  swell ; 
But  sighs  and  tears  she  wisely  could  suppress, 
Her  love  and  passion  she  dissembled  well, 
And  strove  her  love  and  hot  desire  to  cover, 
Till  heart  with  sighs,  and  eyes  with  tears  ran  over : 

At  last  she  spake,  and  with  a  crafty  sleight 
Her  secret  love  disguised  in  clothes  of  hate : 
"  Alas,  too  well,"  she  says,  "  I  know  that  knight, 
I  saw  his  force  and  courage  proved  late, 
Too  late  I  viewed  him,  when  his  power  and  might 
Shook  down  the  pillar  of  Cassanoe's  state; 

Alas  what  wounds  he  gives !  how  fierce,  how  fell ! 

No  physic  helps  them  cure,  nor  magic's  spell. 

"Tancred  he  hight,  O  Macon,  would  he  wear 
My  thrall,  ere  fates  him  of  this  life  deprive, 
For  to  his  hateful  head  such  spite  I  bear, 
I  would  him  reave  his  cruel  heart  on  live." 
Thus  said  she,  they  that  her  complainings  hear 
In  other  sense  her  wishes  credit  give. 

She  sighed  withal,  they  construed  all  amiss, 

And  thought  she  wished  to  kill,  who  longed  to  kiss. 

This  while  forth  pricked  Clorinda  from  the  throng 
And  'gainst  Tancredi  set  her  spear  in  rest, 
Upon  their  helms  they  cracked  their  lances  long, 
And  from  her  head  her  gilden  casque  he  kest, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  49 

For  every  lace  he  broke  and  every  thong, 
And  in  the  dust  threw  down  her  plumed  crest, 

About  her  shoulder  shone  her  golden  locks, 

Like  sunny  beams,  on  alabaster  rocks. 

'Her  looks  with  fire,  her  eyes  with  lightning  blaze, 

Sweet  was  her  wrath,  what  then  would  be  her  smile? 

Tancred,  whereon  think'st  thou  ?  what  dost  thou  gaze  ? 

Hast  thou  forgot  her  in  so  short  a  while  ? 

The  same  is  she,  the  shape  of  whose  sweet  face 

The  God  of  Love  did  in  thy  heart  compile, 
The  same  that  left  thee  by  the  cooling  stream, 
Safe  from  sun's  heat,  but  scorched  with  beauty's  beam. 

The  prince  well  knew  her,  though  her  painted  shield 
And  golden  helm  he  had  not  marked  before, 
She  saved  her  head,  and  with  her  axe  well  steeled 
Assailed  the  knight ;  but  her  the  knight  forbore, 
'Gainst  other  foes  he  proved  him  through  the  field, 
Yet  she  for  that  refrained  ne'er  the  more, 

But  following,  "  Turn  thee,"  cried,  in  ireful  wise ; 

And  so  at  once  she  threats  to  kill  him  twice. 

Not  once  the  baron  lift  his  armed  hand 
To  strike  the  maid,  but  gazing  on  her  eyes, 
Where  lordly  Cupid  seemed  in  arms  to  stand, 
No  way  to  ward  or  shun  her  blows  he  tries ; 
But  softly  says,  "  No  stroke  of  thy  strong  hand 
Can  vanquish  Tancred,  but  thy  conquest  lies 
In  those  fair  eyes,  which  fiery  weapons  dart, 
That  find  no  lighting  place  except  this  heart." 

At  last  resolved,  although  he  hoped  small  grace, 
Yet  ere  he  did  to  tell  how  much  he  loved, 
For  pleasing  words  in  women's  ears  find  place, 
And  gentle  hearts  with  humble  suit  are  moved : 
"  O  thou,"  quoth  he,  "  withhold  thy  wrath  a  space, 
For  if  thou  long  to  see  my  valor  proved, 
Were  it  not  better  from  this  warlike  rout 
Withdrawn,  somewhere,  alone  to  fight  it  out? 


50  TASSO 

"  So  singled,  may  we  both  our  courage  try : " 
Clorinda  to  that  motion  yielded  glad, 
And  helmless  to  the  forestward  gan  hie, 
Whither  the  prince  right  pensive  went  and  sad, 
And  there  the  virgin  gan  him  soon  defy. 
One  blow  she  strucken,  and  he  warded  had, 

When  he  cried,  "  Hold,  and  ere  we  prove  our  might, 
First  hear  thou  some  conditions  of  the  fight." 

She  stayed,  and  desperate  love  had  made  him  bold ; 
"  Since  from  the  fight  thou  wilt  no  respite  give, 
The  covenants  be,"  he  said,  "  that  thou  unfold 
This  wretched  bosom,  and  my  heart  out  rive, 
Given  thee  long  since,  and  if  thou,  cruel,  would 
I  should  be  dead,  let  me  no  longer  live, 

But  pierce  this  breast,  that  all  the  world  may  say, 
The  eagle  made  the  turtle-dove  her  prey. 

"  Save  with  thy  grace,  or  let  thine  anger  kill, 
Love  hath  disarmed  my  life  of  all  defence ; 
An  easy  labor  harmless  blood  to  spill, 
Strike  then,  and  punish  where  is  none  offence." 
This  said  the  prince,  and  more  perchance  had  will 
To  have  declared,  to  move  her  cruel  sense. 
But  in  ill  time  of  Pagans  thither  came 
A  troop,  and  Christians  that  pursued  the  same. 

The  Pagans  fled  before  their  valiant  foes, 
For  dread  or  craft,  it  skills  not  that  we  know, 
A  soldier  wild,  careless  to  win  or  lose, 
Saw  where  her  locks  about  the  damsel  flew, 
And  at  her  back  he  proffereth  as  he  goes 
To  strike  where  her  he  did  disarmed  view : 
But  Tancred  cried,  "  Oh  stay  thy  cursed  hand,'* 
And  for  to  ward  the  blow  lift  up  his  brand. 

But  yet  the  cutting  steel  arrived  there, 
Where  her  fair  neck  adjoined  her  noble  head, 
Light  was  the  wound,  but  through  her  amber  hair 
The  purple  drops  down  railed  bloody  red, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  51 

So  rubies  set  in  flaming  gold  appear : 

But  Lord  Tancredi,  pale  with  rage  as  lead, 

Flew  on  the  villain,  who«to  flight  him  bound; 

The  smart  was  his,  though  she  received  the  wound. 

The  villain  flies,  he,  full  of  rage  and  ire, 
Pursues,  she  stood  and  wondered  on  them  both, 
But  yet  to  follow  them  showed  no  desire, 
To  stray  so  far  she  would  perchance  be  loth, 
But  quickly  turned  her,  fierce  as  flaming  fire, 
And  on  her  foes  wreaked  her  anger  wroth, 
On  every  side  she  kills  them  down  amain, 
And  now  she  flies,  and  now  she  turns  again. 

As  the  swift  ure  by  Volga's  rolling  flood 
Chased  through  the  plains  the  mastiff  curs  toforn, 
Flies  to  the  succor  of  some  neighbor  wood, 
And  often  turns  again  his  dreadful  horn 
Against  the  dogs  imbrued  in  sweat  and  blood, 
That  bite  not,  till  the  beast  to  flight  return ; 
Or  as  the  Moors  at  their  strange  tennice  run, 
Defenced,  the  flying  balls  unhurt  to  shun : 

So  ran  Clorinda,  so  her  foes  pursued, 
Until  they  both  approached  the  city's  wall, 
When  lo !  the  Pagans  their  fierce  wrath  renewed, 
Cast  in  a  ring  about  they  wheeled  all, 
And  'gainst  the  Christians'  backs  and  sides  they  showed 
Their  courage  fierce,  and  to  new  combat  fall, 
When  down  the  hill  .Argante&  came  to  fight, 
Like  angry  Mars  to  aid  the  Trojan  knight. 

Furious,  tofore  the  foremost  of  his  rank, 
In  sturdy  steel  forth  stept  the  warrior  bold, 
The  first  he  smote  down  from  his  saddle  sank, 
The  next  under  his  steed  lay  on  the  mould, 
Under  the  Saracen's  spear  the  worthies  shrank, 
No  breastplate  could  that  cursed  tree  outhold, 
When  that  was  broke  his  precious  sword  he  drew, 

And  whom  he  hit,  he  felled,  hurt,  or  slew. 

Classics.     Vol.   35 — D 


TASSO 

Clorinda  slew  Ardelio ;  aged  knight, 
Whose  graver  years  would  for  no  labor  yield, 
His  age  was  full  of  puissance  and  might 
Two  sons  he  had  to  guard  his  noble  eild, 
The  first,  far  from  his  father's  care  and  sight, 
Called  Alicandro  wounded  lay  in  field, 
And  Poliphern  the  younger,  by  his  side, 
Had  he  not  nobly  fought  had  surely  died. 

Tancred  by  this,  that  strove  to  overtake 
The  villain  that  had  hurt  his  only  dear, 
From  vain  pursuit  at  last  returned  back, 
And  his  brave  troop  discomfit  saw  well  near, 
Thither  he  spurred,  and  gan  huge  slaughter  make, 
His  shock  no  steed,  his  blow  no  knight  could  bear, 
For  dead  he  strikes  him  whom  he  lights  upon, 
So  thunders  break  high  trees  on  Lebanon. 

Dudon  his  squadron  of  adventurers  brings, 

To  aid  the  worthy  and  his  tired  crew, 

Before  the  residue  young  .Rinaldo  flings 

As  swift  as  fiery  lightning  kindled  new, 

His  argent  eagle  with  her  silver  wings 

In  field  of  azure,  fair  Erminia  knew, 

"  See  there,  sir  King,"  she  says,  "  a  knight  as  bold 
And  brave,  as  was  the  son  of  Peleus  old. 

"  He  wins  the  prize  in  joust  and  tournament, 
His  acts  are  numberless,  though  few  his  years, 
If  Europe  six  like  him  to  war  had  sent 
Among  these  thousand  strong  of  Christian  peers, 
Syria  were  lost,  lost  were  the  Orient, 
And  all  the  lands  the  Southern  Ocean  wears, 
Conquered  were  all  hot  Afric's  tawny  kings, 
And  all  that  dwells  by  Nilus'  unknown  springs. 

"  Rinaldo  is  his  name,  his  armed  fist 
Breaks  down  stone  walls,  when  rams  and  engines  fail, 
But  turn  your  eyes  because  I  would  you  wist 
.What  lord  that  is  in  green  and  golden  mail, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  53 

Dudon  he  hight  who  guideth  as  him  list 
The  adventurers'  troop  whose  prowess  seld  doth  fail, 
High  birth,  grave  years,  and  practice  long  in  war, 
And  fearless  heart,  make  him  renowned  far. 

"  See  that  big  man  that  all  in  brown  is  bound, 
Gernando  called,  the  King  of  Norway's  son, 
A  prouder  knight  treads  not  on  grass  or  ground, 
His  pride  hath  lost  the  praise  his  prowess  won ; 
And  that  kind  pair  in  white  all  armed  round, 
Is  Edward  and  Gildippes,  who  begun 
Through  love  the  hazard  of  fierce  war  to  prove, 
Famous  for  arms,  but  famous  more  for  love." 

While  thus  they  tell  their  foemen's  worthiness, 

The  slaughter  rageth  in  the  plain  at  large. 

Tancred  and  young  Rinaldo  break  the  press, 

They  bruise  the  helm,  and  press  the  sevenfold  targe ; 

The  troop  by  Dudon  led  performed  no  less, 

But  in  they  come  and  give  a  furious  charge : 
Argantes'  self  fell  at  one  single  blow, 
Inglorious,  bleeding  lay,  on  earth  full  low: 

Nor  had  the  boaster  ever  risen  more, 
But  that  Rinaldo's  horse  e'en  then  down  fell, 
And  with  the  fall  his  leg  opprest  so  sore, 
That  for  a  space  there  must  he  algates  dwell. 
Meanwhile  the  Pagan  troops  were  nigh  forlore, 
Swiftly  they  fled,  glad  they  escaped  so  well, 
Argantes  and  with  him  Clorinda  stout, 
For  bank  and  bulwark  served  to  save  the  rout. 

These  fled  the  last,  and  with  their  force  sustained 
The  Christians'  rage,  that  followed  them  so  near ; 
Their  scattered  troops  to  safety  well  they  trained, 
And  while  the  residue  fled,  the  brunt  these  bear ; 
Dudon  pursued  the  victory  he  gained, 
And  on  Tigranes  nobly  broke  his  spear, 

Then  with  his  sword  headless  to  ground  him 
So  gardeners  branches  lop  that  spring  too  fast, 


54  TASSO 

Algazar's  breastplate,  of  fine  temper  made, 
Nor  Corban's  helmet,  forged  by  magic  art, 
Could  save  their  owners,  for  Lord  Dudon's  blade 
Cleft  Corban's  head,  and  pierced  Algazar's  heart, 
And  their  proud  souls  down  to  the  infernal  shade, 
From  Amurath  and  Mahomet  depart; 

Not  strong  Argantes  thought  his  fife  was  sure, 
He  could  not  safely  fly,  nor  fight  secure. 

The  angry  Pagan  bit  his  lips  for  teen, 
He  ran,  he  stayed,  he  fled,  he  turned  again, 
Until  at  last  unmarked,  unviewed,  unseen, 
When  Dudon  had  Almansor  newly  slain, 
Within  his  side  he  sheathed  his  weapon  keen, 
Down  fell  the  worthy  on  the  dusty  plain, 
,  And  lifted  up  his  feeble  eyes  uneath, 
Opprest  with  leaden  sleep,  of  iron  death. 

Three  times  he  strove  to  view  Heaven's  golden  ray, 
And  raised  him  on  his  feeble  elbow  thrice, 
And  thrice  he  tumbled  on  the  lowly  lay, 
And  three  times  closed  again  his  dying  eyes, 
He  speaks  no  word,  yet  makes  his  signs  to  pray; 
He  sighs,  he  faints,  he  groans,  and  then  he  dies; 
Argantes  proud  to  spoil  the  corpse  disdained, 
But  shook  his  sword  with  blood  of  Dudon  stained. 

And  turning  to  the  Christian  knights,  he  cried: 
"  Lordlings,  behold,  this  bloody  reeking  blade 
Last  night  was  given  me  by  your  noble  guide, 
Tell  him  what  proof  thereof  this  day  is  made, 
Needs  must  this  please  him  well  that  is  betide, 
That  I  so  well  can  use  this  martial  trade, 
To  whom  so  rare  a  gift  he  did  present, 
Tell  him  the  workman  fits  the  instrument. 

"  If  further  proof  thereof  he  long  to  see, 

Say  it  still  thirsts,  and  would  his  heart-blood  drink ; 

And  if  he  haste  not  to  encounter  me, 

Say  I  will  find  him  when  he  least  doth  think." 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  55 

The  Christians  at  his  words  enraged  be, 

But  he  to  shun  their  ire  doth  safely  shrink 
Under  the  shelter  of  the  neighbor  wall, 
Well  guarded  with  his  troops  and  soldiers  all. 

Like  storms  of  hail  the  stones  fell  down  from  high, 
Cast  from  their  bulwarks,  flankers,  ports  and  towers, 
The  shafts  and  quarries  from  their  engines  fly, 
As  thick  as  falling  drops  in  April  showers : 
The  French  withdrew,  they  list  not  press  too  nigh, 
The  Saracens  escaped  all  the  powers, 

But  now  Rinaldo  from  the  earth  upleapt, 
Where  by  the  leg  his  steed  had  long  him  kept ; 

He  came  and  breathed  vengeance  from  his  breast 
'Gainst  him  that  noble  Dudon  late  had  slain; 
And  being  come  thus  spake  he  to  the  rest, 
"  Warriors,  why  stand  you  gazing  here  in  vain  ? 
Pale  death  our  valiant  leader  had  opprest, 
Come  wreak  his  loss,  whom  bootless  you  complain. 
Those  walls  are  weak,  they  keep  but  cowards  out 
No  rampier  can  withstand  a  courage  stout. 

"  Of  double  iron,  brass  or  adamant, 
Or  if  this  wall  were  built  of  flaming  fire, 
Yet  should  the  Pagan  vile  a  fortress  want 
To  shroud  his  coward  head  safe  from  mine  ire; 
Come  follow  then,  and. bid  base  fear  avaunt, 
The  harder  work  deserves  the  greater  hire ; " 
And  with  that  word  close  to  the  walls  he  starts, 
Nor  fears  he  arrows,  quarries,  stones  or  darts. 

Above  the  waves  as  Neptune  lift  his  eyes 

To  chide  the  winds,  that  Trojan  ships  opprest, 

And  with  his  countenance  calmed  seas,  winds  and  skies ; 

So  looked  Rinaldo,  when  he  shook  his  crest 

Before  those  walls,  each  Pagan  fears  and  flies 

His  dreadful  sight,  or  trembling  stayed  at  least: 

Such  dread  his  awful  visage  on  them  cast. 

So  seem  poor  doves  at  goshawks'  sight  aghast. 


S6  TASSO 

The  herald  Ligiere  now  from  Godfrey  came, 
To  will  them  stay  and  calm  their  courage  hot ; 
"  Retire,"  quoth  he,  "  Godfrey  commands  the  same; 
To  wreak  your  ire  this  season  fitteth  not;  " 
Though  loth,  Rinaldo  stayed,  and  stopped  the  flame, 
That  boiled  in  his  hardy  stomach  hot ; 
His  bridled  fury  grew  thereby  more  fell, 
So  rivers,  stopped,  above  their  banks  do  swell. 

The  bands  retire,  not  dangered  by  their  foes 
In  their  retreat,  so  wise  were  they  and  wary, 
To  murdered  Dudon  each  lamenting  goes, 
From  wonted  use  of  ruth  they  list  not  vary. 
Upon  their  friendly  arms  they  soft  impose 
The  noble  burden  of  his  corpse  to  carry : 

Meanwhile  Godfredo  from  a  mountain  great 

Beheld  the  sacred  city  and  her  seat. 

Hierusalem  is  seated  on  two  hills 

Of  height  unlike,  and  turned  side  to  side, 

The  space  between,  a  gentle  valley  fills, 

From  mount  to  mount  expansed  fair  and  wide. 

Three  sides  are  sure  imbarred  with  crags  and  hills, 

The  rest  is  easy,  scant  to  rise  espied : 

But  mighty  bulwarks  fence  that  plainer  part, 
So  art  helps  nature,  nature  strengthened  art. 

The  town  is  stored  of  troughs  and  cisterns,  made 
To  keep  fresh  water,  but  the  country  seems 
Devoid  of  grass,  unfit  for  ploughmen's  trade, 
Not  fertile,  moist  with  rivers,  wells  and  streams ; 
There  grow  few  trees  to  make  the  summer's  shade, 
To  shield  the  parched  land  from  scorching  beams, 
Save  that  a  wood  stands  six  miles  from  the  town, 
With  aged  cedars  dark,  and  shadows  brown. 

By  east,  among  the  dusty  valleys,  glide 
The  silver  streams  of  Jordan's  crystal  flood ; 
By  west,  the  Midland  Sea,  with  bounders  tied 
Of  sandy  shores,  where  Joppa  whilom  stood ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  57 

By  north  Samaria  stands,  and  on  that  side 
The  golden  calf  was  reared  in  Bethel  wood ; 

Bethlem  by  south,  where  Christ  incarnate  was, 

A  pearl  in  steel,  a  diamond  set  in  brass. 

While  thus  the  Duke  on  every  side  descried 
The  city's  strength,  the  walls  and  gates  about, 
And  saw  where  least  the  same  was  fortified, 
Where  weakest  seemed  the  walls  to  keep  him  out ; 
Erminia  as  he  armed  rode,  him  spied, 
And  thus  bespake  the  heathen  tyrant  stout, 
"  See  Godfrey  there,  in  purple  clad  and  gold, 
His  stately  port,  and  princely  look  behold. 

"  Well  seems  he  born  to  be  with  honor  crowned, 
So  well  the  lore  he  knows  of  regiment, 
Peerless  in  fight,  in  counsel  grave  and  sound, 
The  double  gift  of  glory  excellent, 
Among  these  armies  is  no  warrior  found 
Graver  in  speech,  bolder  in  tournament. 

Raymond  pardie  in  counsel  match  him  might ; 

Tancred  and  young  Rinaldo  like  in  fight." 

To  whom  the  king :  "  He  likes  me  well  therefore, 
I  knew  him  whilom  in  the  court  of  France 
When  I  from  Egypt  went  ambassador, 
I  saw  him  there  break  many  a  sturdy  lance, 
And  yet  his  chin  no  sign  of  manhood  bore ; 
His  youth  was  forward,  but  with  governance, 

His  words,  his  actions,  and  his  portance  brave, 

Of  future  virtue,  timely  tokens  gave. 

"  Presages,  ah  too  true :  "  with  that  a  space 
He  sighed  for  grief,  then  said,  "  Fain  would  I  know 
The  man  in  red,  with  such  a  knightly  grace, 
A  worthy  lord  he  seemeth  by  his  show, 
How  like  to  Godfrey  looks  he  in  the  face, 
How  like  in  person !  but  some-deal  more  low." 
"  Baldwin,"  quoth  she,  "  that  noble  baron  hight, 
By  birth  his  brother,  and  his  match  in  might. 


58  TASSO 

"  Next  look  on  him  that  seems  for  counsel  fit, 
Whose  silver  locks  betray  his  store  of  days, 
Raymond  he  hight,  a  man  of  wondrous  wit, 
Of  Toulouse  lord,  his  wisdom  is  his  praise ; 
What  he  forethinks  doth,  as  he  looks  for,  hit, 
His  stratagems  have  good  success  always : 
With  gilded  helm  beyond  him  rides  the  mild 
And  good  Prince  William,  England's  king's  dear  child. 

With  him  is  Guelpho,  as  his  noble  mate, 

In  birth,  in  acts,  in  arms  alike  the  rest, 

I  know  him  well,  since  I  beheld  him  late, 

By  his  broad  shoulders  and  his  squared  breast: 

But  my  proud  foe  that  quite  hath  ruinate 

My  high  estate,  and  Antioch  opprest, 

I  see  not,  Boemond,  that  to  death  did  bring 
Mine  aged  lord,  my  father,  and  my  king." 

Thus  talked  they ;  meanwhile  Godfredo  went 
Down  to  the  troops  that  in  the  valley  stayed, 
And  for  in  vain  he  thought  the  labor  spent, 
To  assail  those  parts  that  to  the  mountains  laid, 
Against  the  northern  gate  his  force  he  bent, 
Gainst  it  he  camped,  gainst  it  his  engines  played ; 
All  felt  the  fury  of  his  angry  power, 
That  from  those  gates  lies  to  the  corner  tower. 

The  town's  third  part  was  this,  or  little  less, 
Fore  which  the  duke  his  glorious  ensigns  spread, 
For  so  great  compass  had  that  forteress, 
That  round  it  could  not  be  environed 
With  narrow  siege — nor  Babel's  king  I  guess 
That  whilom  took  it,  such  an  army  led — 

But  all  the  ways  he  kept,  by  which  his  foe 

Might  to  or  from  the  city  come  or  go. 

His  care  was  next  to  cast  the  trenches  deep, 
So  to  preserve  his  resting  camp  by  night, 
Lest  from  the  city  while  his  soldiers  sleep 
They  might  assail  them  with  untimely  fight. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  59 

This  done  he  went  where  lords  and  princes  weep 
With  dire  complaints  about  the  murdered  knight, 

Where  Dudon  dead  lay  slaughtered  on  the  ground. 

And  all  the  soldiers  sat  lamenting  round. 

His  wailing  friends  adorned  the  mournful  bier 
With  woful  pomp,  whereon  his  corpse  they  laid, 
And  when  they  saw  the  Bulloigne  prince  draw  near, 
All  felt  new  grief,  and  each  new  sorrow  made ; 
But  he,  withouten  show  or  change  of  cheer, 
His  springing  tears  within  their  fountains  stayed, 
His  rueful  looks  upon  the  corpse  he  cast 
Awhile,  and  thus  bespake  the  same  at  last : 

"  We  need  not  mourn  for  thee,  here  laid  to  rest, 
Earth  is  thy  bed,  and  not  the  grave  the  skies 
Are  for  thy  soul  the  cradle  and  the  nest, 
There  live,  for  here  thy  glory  never  dies: 
For  like  a  Christian  knight  and  champion  blest 
Thou  didst  both  live  and  die :  now  feed  thine  eyes 

With  thy  Redeemer's  sight,  where  crowned  with  bliss 

Thy  faith,  zeal,  merit,  well-deserving  is. 

"  Our  loss,  not  thine,  provokes  these  plaints  and  tears : 
For  when  we  lost  thee,  then  our  ship  her  mast, 
Our  chariot  lost  her  wheels,  their  points  our  spears, 
The  bird  of  conquest  her  chief  feather  cast : 
But  though  thy  death  far  from  our  army  bears 
Her  chiefest  earthly  aid,  in  heaven  yet  placed 
Thou  wilt  procure  us  help  Divine,  so  reaps 
He  that  sows  godly  sorrow,  joy  by  heaps. 

"  For  if  our  God  the  Lord  Armipotent 
Those  armed  angels  in  our  aid  down  send 
That  were  at  Dothan  to  his  prophet  sent, 
Thou  wilt  come  down  with  them,  and  well  defend 
Our  host,  and  with  thy  sacred  weapons  bent 
Gainst  Sion's  fort,  these  gates  and  bulwarks  rend, 
That  so  by  hand  may  win  this  hold,  and  we 
May  in  these  temples  praise  our  Christ  for  thee." 


TASSO 

Thus  he  complained ;  but  now  the  sable  shade 
Ycleped  night,  had  thick  enveloped 
The  sun  in  veil  of  double  darkness  made ; 
Sleep,  eased  care ;  rest,  brought  complaint  to  bed : 
All  night  the  wary  duke  devising  laid 
How  that  high  wall  should  best  be  battered, 
How  his  strong  engines  he  might  aptly  frame, 
And  whence  get  timber  fit  to  build  the  same. 

Up  with  the  lark  the  sorrowful  duke  arose, 
A  mourner  chief  at  Dudon's  burial, 
Of  cypress  sad  a  pile  his  friends  compose 
Under  a  hill  o'ergrown  with  cedars  tall, 
Beside  the  hearse  a  fruitful  -palm-tree  grows, 
Ennobled  since  by  this  great  funeral, 

Where  Dudon's  corpse  they  softly  laid  in  ground, 
The  priest  sung  hymns,  the  soldiers  wept  around. 

Among  the  boughs,  they  here  and  there  bestow 
Ensigns  and  arms,  as  witness  of  his  praise, 
Which  he  from  Pagan  lords,  that  did  them  owe, 
Had  won  in  prosperous  fights  and  happy  frays: 
His  shield  they  fixed  on  the  bole  below, 
And  there  this  distich  under-writ,  which  says, 
"  This  palm  with  stretched  arms,  doth  overspread 
The  champion  Dudon's  glorious  carcase  dead." 

This  work  performed  with  advisement  good, 
Godfrey  his  carpenters,  and  men  of  skill 
In  all  the  camp,  sent  to  an  aged  wood, 
With  convoy  meet  to  guard  them  safe  from  ill. 
Within  a  valley  deep  this  forest  stood, 
To  Christian  eyes  unseen,  unknown,  until 
A  Syrian  told  the  duke,  who  thither  sent 
Those  chosen  workmen  that  for  timber  went. 

And  now  the  axe  raged  in  the  forest  wild, 

The  echo  sighed  in  the  groves  unseen, 

The  weeping  nymphs  fled  from  their  bowers  exiled, 

Down  fell  the  shady  tops  of  shaking  treen, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  <jt 

Down  came  the  sacred  palms,  the  ashes  wild, 

The  funeral  cypress,  holly  ever  green, 

The  weeping  fir,  thick  beech,  and  sailing  pine, 
The  married  elm  fell  with  his  fruitful  vine. 

The  shooter  yew,  the  broad-leaved  sycamore, 
The  barren  plantain,  and  the  walnut  sound, 
The  myrrh,  that  her  foul  sin  doth  still  deplore, 
The  alder  owner  of  all  waterish  ground, 
Sweet  juniper,  whose  shadow  hurteth  sore, 
Proud  cedar,  oak,  the  king  of  forests  crowned ; 

Thus  fell  the  trees,  with  noise  the  deserts  roar ; 

The  beasts,  their  caves,  the  birds,  their  nests  forlore. 


FOURTH  BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 
Satan  his  fiends  and  spirits  assembleth  all, 
And  sends  them  forth  to  work  the  Christians  woe, 
False  Hidraort  their  aid  from  hell  doth  call, 
And  sends  Armida  to  entrap  his  foe: 
She  tells  her  birth,  her  fortune,  and  her  fall, 
Asks  aid,  allures  and  wins  the  worthies  so 

That  they  consent  her  enterprise  to  prove; 

She  wins  them  with  deceit,  craft,  beauty,  love. 

WHILE  thus  their  work  went  on  with  lucky  speed, 
And  reared  rams  their  horned  fronts  advance, 
The  Ancient  Foe  to  man,  and  mortal  seed, 
His  wannish  eyes  upon  them  bent  askance ; 
And  when  he  saw  their  labors  well  succeed, 
He  wept  for  rage,  and  threatened  dire  mischance. 
He  choked  his  curses,  to  himself  he  spake, 
Such  noise  wild  bulls  that  softly  bellow  make. 

At  last  resolving  in  his  damned  thought 

To  find  some  let  to  stop  their  warlike  feat, 

He  gave  command  his  princes  should  be  brought 

Before  the  throne  of  his  infernal  seat. 

O  fool !  as  if  it  were  a  thing  of  naught 

God  to  resist,  or  change  his  purpose  great, 
Who  on  his  foes  doth  thunder  in  his  ire, 
Whose  arrows  hailstones  be  and  coals  of  fire. 

The  dreary  trumpet  blew  a  dreadful  blast, 
And  rumbled  through  the  lands  and  kingdoms  under, 
Through  wasteness  wide  it  roared,  and  hollows  vast, 
And  filled  the  deep  with  horror,  fear  and  wonder, 

62 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  63 

Not  half  so  dreadful  noise  the  tempests  cast, 
That  fall  from  skies  with  storms  of  hail  and  thunder, 
Not  half  so  loud  the  whistling  winds  do  sing, 
Broke  from  the  earthen  prisons  of  their  King. 

The  peers  of  Pluto's  realm  assembled  been 
Amid  the  palace  of  their  angry  King, 
In  hideous  forms  and  shapes,  tofore  unseen, 
That  fear,  death,  terror  and  amazement  bring, 
With  ugly  paws  some  trample  on  the  green, 
Some  gnaw  the  snakes  that  on  their  shoulders  hing, 
And  some  their  forked  tails  stretch  forth  on  high, 
And  tear  the  twinkling  stars  from  trembling  sky. 

There  were  Silenus'  foul  and  loathsome  route, 
There  Sphinxes,  Centaurs,  there  were  Gorgons  fell, 
There  howling  Scillas,  yawling  round  about, 
There  serpents  hiss,  there  seven-mouthed  Hydras  yell, 
Chimera  there  spues  fire  and  brimstone  out, 
And  Polyphemus  blind  supporteth  hell, 

Besides  ten  thousand  monsters  therein  dwells 
Misshaped,  unlike  themselves,  and  like  naught  else. 

About  their  prince  each  took  his  wonted  seat 
On  thrones  red-hot,  ybuilt  of  burning  brass, 
Pluto  in  middest  heaved  his  trident  great, 
Of  rusty  iron  huge  that  forged  was, 
The  rocks  on  which  the  salt  sea  billows  beat, 
And  Atlas'  tops,  the  clouds  in  height  that  pass, 
Compared  to  his  huge  person  mole-hills  be, 
So  his  rough  front,  his  horns  so  lifted  he. 

The  tyrant  proud  frowned  from  his  lofty  cell, 
And  with  his  looks  made  all  his  monsters  tremble, 
His  eyes,  that  full  of  rage  and  venom  swell, 
Two  beacons  seem,  that  men  to  arms  assemble, 
His  feltered  locks,  that  on  his  bosom  fell, 
On  rugged  mountains  briars  and  thorns  resemble, 
His  yawning  mouth,  that  foamed  clotted  blood, 
Gaped  like  a  whirlpool  wide  in  Stygian  flood. 


64  TASSO 

And  as  Mount  Etna  vomits  sulphur  out, 
With  clifts  of  burning  crags,  and  fire  and  smoke, 
So  from  his  mouth  flew  kindled  coals  about, 
Hot  sparks  and  smells  that  man  and  beast  would  choke, 
The  gnarring  porter  durst  not  whine  for  doubt ; 
Still  were  the  Furies,  while  their  sovereign  spoke, 
And  swift  Cocytus  stayed  his  murmur  shrill, 
While  thus  the  murderer  thundered  out  his  will: 

"  Ye  powers  infernal,  worthier  far  to  sit 
About  the  sun,  whence  you  your  offspring  take, 
With  me  that  whilom,  through  the  welkin  flit, 
Down  tumbled  headlong  to  this  empty  lake; 
Our  former  glory  still  remember  it, 
Our  bold  attempts  and  war  we  once  did  make 
Gainst  him,  that  rules  above  the  starry  sphere, 
For  which  like  traitors  we  lie  damned  here. 

"  And  now  instead  of  clear  and  gladsome  sky, 
Of  Titan's  brightness,  that  so  glorious  is, 
In  this  deep  darkness  lo  we  helpless  lie, 
Hopeless  again  to  joy  our  former  bliss, 
And  more,  which  makes  my  griefs  to  multiply, 
That  sinful  creature  man,  elected  is ; 

And  in  our  place  the  heavens  possess  he  must, 
Vile  man,  begot  of  clay,  and  born  of  dust. 

"  Nor  this  sufficed,  but  that  he  also  gave 
His  only  Son,  his  darling  to  be  slain, 
To  conquer  so,  hell,  death,  sin  and  the  grave, 
And  man  condemned  to  restore  again, 
He  brake  our  prisons  and  would  algates  save 
The  souls  that  here  should  dwell  in  woe  and  pain, 
And  now  in  heaven  with  him  they  live  always 
With  endless  glory  crowned,  and  lasting  praise. 

"  But  why  recount  I  thus  our  passed  harms  ? 
Remembrance  fresh  makes  weakened  sorrows  strong, 
Expulsed  were  we  with  injurious  arms 
From  those  due  honors,  us  of  right  belong. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  65 

But  let  us  leave  to  speak  of  these  alarms, 
And  bend  our  forces  gainst  our  present  wrong: 
Ah !  see  you  not,  how  he  attempted  hath 
To  bring  all  lands,  all  nations  to  his  faith  ? 

"  Then,  let  us  careless  spend  the  day  and  night, 

Without  regard  what  haps,  what  comes  or  goes, 

Let  Asia  subject  be  to  Christians'  might, 

A  prey  be  Sion  to  her  conquering  foes, 

Let  her  adore  again  her  Christ  aright, 

Who  her  before  all  nations  whilom  chose ; 
In  brazen  tables  be  his  lore  ywrit, 
And  let  all  tongues  and  lands  acknowledge  it. 

"  So  shall  our  sacred  altars  all  be  his, 
Our  holy  idols  tumbled  in  the  mould, 
To  him  the  wretched  man  that  sinful  is 
Shall  pray,  and  offer  incense,  myrrh  and  gold; 
Our  temples  shall  their  costly  deckings  miss, 
With  naked  walls  and  pillars  freezing  cold, 

Tribute  of  souls  shall  end,  and  our  estate, 

Or  Pluto  reign  in  kingdoms  desolate. 

"  Oh,  be  not  then  the  courage  perished  clean, 
That  whilom  dwelt  within  your  haughty  thought, 
When,  armed  with  shining  fire  and  weapons  keen, 
Against  the  angels  of  proud  Heaven  we  fought, 
I  grant  we  fell  on  the  Phlegrean  green, 
Yet  good  our  cause  was,  though  our  fortune  naught; 
For  chance  assisteth  oft  the  ignobler  part, 
We  lost  the  field,  yet  lost  we  not  our  heart. 

"  Go  then,  my  strength,  my  hope,  my  Spirits  go, 
These  western  rebels  with  your  power  withstand, . 
Pluck  up  these  weeds,  before  they  overgrow 
The  gentle  garden  of  the  Hebrews'  land, 
Quench  out  this  spark,  before  it  kindle  so 
That  Asia  burn,  consumed  with  the  brand. 

Use  open  force,  or  secret  guile  unspied; 

For  craft  is  virtue  gainst  a  foe  defied. 


66  TASSO 

"  Among  the  knights  and  worthies  of  their  train, 
Let  some  like  outlaws  wander  uncouth  ways, 
Let  some  be  slain  in  field,  let  some  again 
Make  oracles  of  women's  yeas  and  nays, 
And  pine  in  foolish  love,  let  some  complain 
On  Godfrey's  rule,  and  mutinies  gainst  him  raise, 
Turn  each  one's  sword  against  his  fellow's  heart, 
Thus  kill  them  all  or  spoil  the  greatest  part." 

Before  his  words  the  tyrant  ended  had, 
The  lesser  devils  arose  with  ghastly  roar, 
And  thronged  forth  about  the  world  to  gad, 
Each  land  they  filled,  river,  stream  and  shore, 
The  goblins,  fairies,  fiends  and  furies  mad, 
Ranged  in  flowery  dales,  and  mountains  hoar, 
And  under  every  trembling  leaf  they  sit, 
Between  the  solid  earth  and  welkin  flit. 

About  the  world  they  spread  forth  far  and  wide, 
Filling  the  thoughts  of  each  ungodly  heart 
With  secret  mischief,  anger,  hate  and  pride, 
Wounding  lost  souls  with  sin's  empoisoned  dart. 
But  say,  my  Muse,  recount  whence  first  they  tried 
To  hurt  the  Christian  lords,  and  from  what  part, 
Thou  knowest  of  things  performed  so  long  agonc, 
This  latter  age  hears  little  truth  or  none. 

The  town  Damascus  and  the  lands  about 
Ruled  liidraort,  a  wizard  grave  and  sage, 
Acquainted  well  with  all  the  damned  rout 
Of  Pluto's  reign,  even  from  his  tender  age; 
Yet  of  this  war  he  could  not  figure  out 
The  wished  ending,  or  success  presage, 

For  neither  stars  above,  nor  powers  of  hell, 
Nor  skill,  nor  art,  nor  charm,  nor  devil  could  tell. 

And  yet  he  thought, — Oh,  vain  conceit  of  man, 
Which  as  thou  wishest  judgest  things  to  come  I—- 
That the  French  host  to  sure  destruction  ran, 
Condemned  quite  by  Heaven's  eternal  doom: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  67 

He  thinks  no  force  withstand  or  vanquish  can 

The  Egyptian  strength,  and  therefore  would  that  some 

Both  of  the  prey  and  glory  of  the  fight 

Upon  this  Syrian  folk  would  haply  light. 

But  for  he  held  the  Frenchmen's  worth  in  prize, 
And  feared  the  doubtful  gain  of  bloody  war, 
He,  that  was  closely  false  and  slyly  wise, 
Cast  how  he  might  annoy  them  most  from  far: 
And  as  he  gan  upon  this  point  devise, — 
As  counsellors  in  ill  still  nearest  are, — 
At  hand  was  Satan,  ready  ere  men  need, 
If  once  they  think,  to  make  them  do,  the  deed. 

He  counselled  him  how  best  to  hunt  his  game, 
What  dart  to  cast,  what  net,  what  toil  to  pitch, 
A  niece  he  had,  a  nice  and  tender  dame, 
Peerless  in  wit,  in  nature's  blessings  rich, 
To  all  deceit  she  could  her  beauty  frame, 
False,  fair  and  young,  a  virgin  and  a  witch; 
To  her  he  told  the  sum  of  this  emprise, 
And  praised  her  thus,  for  she  was  fair  and  wise : 

"  My  dear,  who  underneath  these  locks  of  gold, 

And  native  brightness  of  thy  lovely  hue, 

Hidest  grave  thoughts,  ripe  wit,  and  wisdom  old, 

More  skill  than  I,  in  all  mine  arts  untrue, 

To  thee  my  purpose  great  I  must  unfold, 

This  enterprise  thy  cunning  must  pursue, 
Weave  thou  to  end  this  web  which  I  begin, 
I  will  the  distaff  hold,  come  thou  and  spin. 

"  Go  to  the  Christians'  host,  and  there  assay 
All  subtle  sleights  that  women  use  in  love, 
Shed  brinish  tears,  sob,  sigh,  entreat  and  pray, 
Wring  thy  fair  hands,  cast  up  thine  eyes  above, 
For  mourning  beauty  hath  much  power,  men  say, 
fThe  stubborn  hearts  with  pity  frail  to  move  ; 

Look  pale  for  dread,  and  blush  sometime  for  shame, 
In  seeming  truth  thy  lies  will  soonest  frame. 


68  TASSO 

"  Take  with  the  bait  Lord  Godfrey,  if  thou  may'st ; 
Frame  snares  of  look,  strains  of  alluring  speech ; 
For  if  he  love,  the  conquest  then  thou  hast, 
Thus  purposed  war  thou  may'st  with  ease  impeach, 
Else  lead  the  other  Lords  to  deserts  waste, 
And  hold  them  slaves  far  from  their  leader's  reach : 
Thus  taught  he  her,  and  for  conclusion,  saith, 
"  All  things  are  lawful  for  our  lands  and  faith." 

The  swee^Armida  took  this  charge  on  hand, 
A  tender  piece,  for  beauty,  sex  and  age, 
The  sun  was  sunken  underneath  the  land, 
When  she  began  her  wanton  pilgrimage, 
In  silken  weeds  she  trusteth  to  withstand, 
And  conquer  knights  in  warlike  equipage, 

Of  their  night  ambling  dame  the  Syrians  prated, 
Some  good,  some  bad,  as  they  her  loved  or  hated. 

Within  few  days  the  nymph  arrived  there 
Where  puissant  Godfrey  had  his  tents  ypight; 
Upon  her  strange  attire,  and  visage  clear, 
Gazed  each  soldier,  gazed  every  knight: 
As  when  a  comet  doth  in  skies  appear, 
The  people  stand  amazed  at  the  light ; 

So  wondered  they,  and  each  at  other  sought, 
What  mister  wight  she  was,  and  whence  ybrought. 

Yet  never  eye  to  Cupid's  service  vowed 
Beheld  a  face  of  such  a  lovely  pride ; 
A  tinsel  veil  her  amber  locks  did  shroud, 
That  strove  to  cover  what  it  could  not  hide, 
The  golden  sun  behind  a  silver  cloud, 
So  streameth  out  his  beams  on  every  side, 
The  marble  goddess,  set  at  Cnidos,  naked 
She  seemed,  were  she  unclothed,  or  that  awake'd. 

The  gamesome  wind  among  her  tresses  plays, 
And  curleth  up  those  growing  riches  short; 
Her  spareful  eye  to  spread  his  beams  denays, 
But  keeps  his  shot  where  Cupid  keeps  his  fort ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  69 

The  rose  and  lily  on  her  cheek  assays 

To  paint  true  fairness  out  in  bravest  sort, 

Her  lips,  where  blooms  naught  but  the  single  rose, 
Still  blush,  for  still  they  kiss  while  still  they  close. 

'Her  breasts,  two  hills  o'erspread  with  purest  snow, 
Sweet,  smooth  and  supple,  soft  and  gently  swelling, 
Between  them  lies  a  milken  dale  below, 
Where  love,  youth,  gladness,  whiteness  make  their  dwell- 
ing, 

Her  breasts  half  hid,  and  half  were  laid  to  show, 
Her  envious  vesture  greedy  sight  repelling; 
So  was  the  wanton  clad,  as  if  this  much 
Should  please  the  eye,  the  rest  unseen,  the  touch. 

As  when  the  sunbeams  dive  through  Tagus'  wave 
To  spy  the  store-house  of  his  springing  gold, 
Love-piercing  thought  so  through  her  mantle  drave, 
And  in  her  gentle  bosom  wandered  bold ; 
It  viewed  the  wondrous  beauty  virgins  have, 
And  all  to  fond  desire  with  vantage  told, 
Alas !  what  hope  is  left,  to  quench  his  fire 
That  kindled  is  by  sight,  blown  by  desire. 

Thus  passed  she,  praised,  wished,  and  wondered  at, 
Among  the  troops  who  there  encamped  lay, 
She  smiled  for  joy,  but  well  dissembled  that, 
Her  greedy  eye  chose  out  her  wished  prey ; 
On  all  her  gestures  seeming  virtue  sat, 
Toward  the  imperial  tent  she  asked  the  way : 
With  that  she  met  a  bold  and  lovesome  knight, 
Lord  Godfrey's  youngest  brother,  Eustace  hight. 

This  was  the  fowl  that  first  fell  in  the  snare, 
He  saw  her  fair,  and  hoped  to  find  her  kind ; 
The  throne  of  Cupid  had  an  easy  stair, 
His  bark  is  fit  to  sail  with  every  wind, 
The  breach  he  makes  no  wisdom  can  repair : 
With  reverence  meet  the  baron  low  inclined, 
And  thus  his  purpose  to  the  virgin  told, 
For  youth,  use,  nature,  all  had  made  him  bold. 


70  TASSO 

"  Lady,  if  thee  beseem  a  stile  so  low, 
In  whose  sweet  looks  such  sacred  beauty  shine,— 
For  never  yet  did  Heaven  such  grace  bestow 
On  any  daughter  born  of  Adam's  line — 
Thy  name  let  us,  though  far  unworthy,  know, 
Unfold  thy  will,  and  whence  thou  art  in  fine, 
Lest  my  audacious  boldness  learn  too  late 
What  honors  due  become  thy  high  estate." 

"  Sir  Knight,"  quoth  she,  "  your  praises  reach  too  high 

Above  her  merit  you  commenden  so, 

A  hapless  maid  I  am,  both  born  to  die 

And  dead  to  joy,  that  live  in  care  and  woe, 

A  virgin  helpless,  fugitive  pardie, 

My  native  soil  and  kingdom  thus  forego 

To  seek  Duke  Godfrey's  aid,  such  store  men  tell 
Of  virtuous  ruth  doth  in  his  bosom  dwell. 

"  Conduct  me  then  that  mighty  duke  before, 
If  you  be  courteous,  sir,  as  well  you  seem." 
"  Content,"  quoth  he,  "  since  of  one  womb  ybore, 
,We  brothers  are,  your  fortune  good  esteem 
To  encounter  me  whose  word  prevaileth  more 
In  Godfrey's  hearing  than  you  haply  deem: 
Mine  aid  I  grant,  and  his  I  promise  too, 
All  that  his  sceptre,  or  my  sword,  can  do." 

He  led  her  easily  forth  when  this  was  said, 
Where  Godfrey  sat  among  his  lords  and  peers, 
She  reverence  did,  then  blushed,  as  one  dismayed 
To  speak,  for  secret  wants  and  inward  fears, 
It  seemed  a  bashful  shame  her  speeches  stayed, 
At  last  the  courteous  duke  her  gently  cheers ; 
Silence  was  made,  and  she  began  her  tale, 
They  sit  to  hear,  thus  sung  this  nightingale: 

"  Victorious  prince,  whose  honorable  name 
Is  held  so  great  among  our  Pagan  kings, 
That  to  those  lands  thou  dost  by  conquest  tame 
That  thou  hast  won  them  some  content  it  brings ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  ?I 

Well  known  to  all  is  thy  immortal  fame, 
The  earth,  thy  worth,  thy  foe,  thy  praises  sings, 
And  Paynims  wronged  come  to  seek  thine  aid, 
So  doth  thy  virtue,  so  thy  power  persuade. 

"  And  I  though  bred  in  Macon's  heathenish  lore, 
Which  thou  oppresses!  with  thy  puissant  might, 
Yet  trust  thou  wilt  an  helpless  maid  restore, 
And  repossess  her  in  her  father's  right : 
Others  in  their  distress  do  aid  implore 
Of  kin  and  friends ;  but  I  in  this  sad  plight 

Invoke  thy  help,  my  kingdom  to  invade, 

So  doth  thy  virtue,  so  my  need  persuade. 

"  In  thee  I  hope,  thy  succors  I  invoke, 
To  win  the  crown  whence  I  am  dispossest; 
For  like  renown  awaiteth  on  the  stroke 
To  cast  the  haughty  down  or  raise  the  opprest ; 
Nor  greater  glory  brings  a  sceptre  broke, 
Than  doth  deliverance  of  a  maid  distrest ; 
And  since  thou  canst  at  will  perform  the  thing, 
More  is  thy  praise  to  make,  than  kill  a  king. 

"  But  if  thou  would'st  thy  succors  due  excuse, 

Because  in  Christ  I  have  no  hope  nor  trust, 

Ah  yet  for  virtue's  sake,  thy  virtue  use! 

Who  scorneth  gold  because  it  lies  in  dust? 

Be  witness  Heaven,  if  thou  to  grant  refuse, 

Thou  dost  forsake  a  maid  in  cause  most  just, 
And  for  thou  shalt  at  large  my  fortunes  know, 
I  will  my  wrongs  and  their  great  treasons  show. 

"  Prince  Arbilan  that  reigned  in  his  life 

On  fair  Damascus,  was  my  noble  sire, 

Born  of  mean  race  he  was,  yet  got  to  wife 

The  Queen  Chariclia,  such  was  the  fire 

Of  her  hot  love,  but  soon  the  fatal  knife 

Had  cut  the  thread  that  kept  their  joys  entire, 
For  so  mishap  her  cruel  lot  had  cast, 
My  birth,  her  death ;  my  first  day,  was  her  last 


TASSO 

"  And  ere  five  years  were  fully  come  and  gone 
Since  his  dear  spouse  to  hasty  death  did  yield, 
My  father  also  died,  consumed  with  moan, 
And  sought  his  love  amid  the  Elysian  field, 
His  crown  and  me,  poor  orphan,  left  alone, 
Mine  uncle  governed  in  my  tender  eild ; 

For  well  he  thought,  if  mortal  men  have  faith, 
In  brother's  breast  true  love  his  mansion  hath. 

"  He  took  the  charge  of  me  and  of  the  crown, 
And  with  kind  shows  of  love  so  brought  to  pass 
That  through  Damascus  great  report  was  blown 
How  good,  how  just,  how  kind  mine  uncle  was; 
Whether  he  kept  his  wicked  hate  unknown 
And  hid  the  serpent  in  the  flowering  grass, 
Or  that  true  faith  did  in  his  bosom  won, 
Because  he  meant  to  match  me  with  his  son. 

"  Which  son,  within  short  while,  did  undertake 
Degree  of  knighthood,  as  beseemed  him  well, 
Yet  never  durst  he  for  his  lady's  sake 
Break  sword  or  lance,  advance  in  lofty  sell ; 
As  fair  he  was,  as  Citherea's  make, 
As  proud  as  he  that  signoriseth  hell, 

In  fashions  wayward,  and  in  love  unkind, 
For  Cupid  deigns  not  wound  a  currish  mind 

"  This  paragon  should  Queen  Armida  wed, 
A  goodly  swain  to  be  a  princess'  fere, 
A  lovely  partner  of  a  lady's  bed, 
A  noble  head  a  golden  crown  to  wear: 
His  glosing  sire  his  errand  daily  said, 
And  sugared  speeches  whispered  in  mine  ear 
To  make  me  take  this  darling  in  mine  arms, 
But  still  the  adder  stopt  her  ears  from  charms. 

"  At  last  he  left  me  with  a  troubled  grace, 
Through  which  transparent  was  his  inward  spite, 
Methought  I  read  the  story  in  his  face 
Df  these  mishaps  that  on  me  since  have  light, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  73 

Since  that  foul  spirits  haunt  my  resting-place, 
And  ghastly  visions  break  my  sleep  by  night, 
Grief,  horror,  fear  my  fainting  soul  did  kill, 
For  so  my  mind  foreshowed  my  coming  ill. 

"  Three  times  the  shape  of  my  dear  mother  came, 
Pale,  sad,  dismayed,  to  warn  me  in  my  dream, 
Alas,  how  far  transformed  from  the  same 
Whose  eyes  shone  erst  like  Titan's  glorious  beam: 
'  Daughter,'  she  says,  '  fly,  fly,  behold  thy  dame 
Foreshows  the  treasons  of  thy  wretched  eame, 

Who  poison  gainst  thy  harmless  life  provides :. 

This  said,  to  shapeless  air  unseen  she  glides^ 

"  But  what  avail  high  walls  or  bulwarks  strong, 

Where  fainting  cowards  have  the  piece  to  guard? 

My  sex  too  weak,  mine  age  was  all  too  young, 

To  undertake  alone  a  work  so  hard, 

To  wander  wild  the  desert  woods  among, 

A  banished  maid,  of  wonted  ease  debarred, 
So  grievous  seemed,  that  liefer  were  my  death, 
And  there  to  expire  where  first  I  drew  my  breath. 

"  I  feared  deadly  evil  if  long  I  stayed, 

And  yet  to  fly  had  neither  will  nor  power, 

Nor  durst  my  heart  declare  it  waxed  afraid, 

Lest  so  I  hasten  might  my  dying  hour : 

Thus  restless  waited  I,  unhappy  maid, 

What  hand  should  first  pluck  up  my  springing  flower, 
Even  as  the  wretch  condemned  to  lose  his  life 
Awaits  the  falling  of  the  murdering  knife. 

"  In  these  extremes,  for  so  my  fortune  would 

Perchance  preserve  me  to  my  further  ill, 

One  of  my  noble  father's  servants  old, 

That  for  his  goodness  bore  his  child  good  will, 

With  store  of  tears  this  treason  gan  unfold, 

And  said ;  my  guardian  would  his  pupil  kill, 
And  that  himself,  if  promise  made  be  kept, 
Should  give  me  poison  dire  ere  next  I  slept. 


74  TASSO 

"  And  further  told  me,  if  I  wished  to  live, 
I  must  convey  myself  by  secret  flight, 
And  offered  then  all  succors  he  could  give 
To  aid  his  mistress,  banished  from  her  right. 
His  words  of  comfort,  fear  to  exile  drive, 
The  dread  of  death  made  lesser  dangers  light: 
So  we  concluded,  when  the  shadows  dim 
Obscured  the  earth  I  should  depart  with  him. 

"Of  close  escapes  the  aged  patroness, 
Blacker  than  erst,  her  sable  mantle  spread, 
When  with  two  trusty  maids,  in  great  distress, 
Both  from  mine  uncle  and  my  realm  I  fled ; 
Oft  looked  I  back,  but  hardly  could  suppress 
Those  streams  of  tears,  mine  eyes  uncessant  shed, 
For  when  I  looked  on  my  kingdom  lost, 
It  was  a  grief,  a  death,  an  hell  almost. 

"  My  steeds  drew  on  the  burden  of  my  limbs, 
But  still  my  looks,  my  thoughts,  drew  back  as  fast, 
So  fare  the  men,  that  from  the  heaven's  brims, 
Far  out  to  sea,  by  sudden  storm  are  cast ; 
Swift  o'er  the  grass  the  rolling  chariot  swims, 
Through  ways  unknown,  all  night,  all  day  we  hast 
At  last,  nigh  tired,  a  castle  strong  we  fand, 
The  utmost  border  of  my  native  land. 

i 
"  The  fort  Arontes  was,  for  so  the  knight 

Was  called,  that  my  deliverance  thus  had  wrought, 
But  when  the  tyrant  saw,  by  mature  flight 
I  had  escaped  the  treasons  of  his  thought, 
The  rage  increased  in  the  cursed  wight 
Gainst  me,  and  him,  that  me  to  safety  brought, 
And  us  accused,  we  would  have  poisoned 
Him,  but  descried,  to  save  our  lives  we  fled. 

"  And  that  in  lieu  of  his  approved  truth, 
To  poison  him  I  hired  had  my  guide, 
That  he  despatched,  mine  unbridled  youth 
Might  rage  at  will,  in  no  subjection  tied, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

And  that  each  night  I  slept — O  foul  untruth ! — 

Mine  honor  lost,  by  this  Arontes'  side: 

But  Heaven  I  pray  send  down  revenging  fire, 
When  so  base  love  shall  change  my  chaste  desire. 

"  Not  that  he  sitteth  on  my  regal  throne^ 
Nor  that  he  thirst  to  drink  my  lukewarm  blood, 
So  grieveth  me,  as  this  despite  alone, 
That  my  renown,  which  ever  blameless  stood, 
Hath  lost  the  light  wherewith  it  always  shone: 
tWith  forged  lies  he  makes  his  tale  so  good, 
And  holds  my  subjects'  hearts  in  such  suspense, 
That  none  take  armor  for  their  queen's  defence. 

"  And  though  he  do  my  regal  throne  possess, 
Clothed  in  purple,  crowned  with  burnished  gold ; 
Yet  is  his  hate,  his  rancor,  ne'er  the  less, 
Since  naught  assuageth  malice  when  'tis  old : 
He  threats  to  burn  Arontes'  forteress, 
And  murder  him  unless  he  yield  the  hold, 

And  me  and  mine  threats  not  with  war,  but  death, 
Thus  causeless  hatred,  endless  is  uneath. 

"  And  so  he  trusts  to  wash  away  the  stain, 
And  hide  his  shameful  fact  with  mine  offence, 
And  saith  he  will  restore  the  throne  again 
To  his  late  honor  and  due  excellence, 
And  therefore  would  I  should  be  algates  slain, 
For  while  I  live,  his  right  is  in  suspense, 
This  is  the  cause  my  guiltless  life  is  sought, 
For  on  my  ruin  is  his  safety  wrought. 

"  And  let  the  tyrant  have  his  heart's  desire, 

Let  him  perform  the  cruelty  he  meant, 

My  guiltless  blood  must  quench  the  ceaseless  fire 

On  which  my  endless  tears  were  bootless  spent, 

Unless  thou  help ;  to  thee,  renowned  Sire, 

I  fly,  a  virgin,  orphan,  innocent, 

And  let  these  tears  that  on  thy  feet  distil, 
Redeem  the  drops  of  blood,  he  thirsts  to  spill. 

Classics.     Vol.   35 — E 


76  TASSO 

"  By  these  thy  glorious  feet,  that  tread  secure 
On  necks  of  tyrants,  by  thy  conquests  brave, 
By  that  right  hand,  and  by  those  temples  pure 
Thou  seek'st  to  free  from  Macon's  lore,  I  crave 
Help  for  this  sickness  none  but  thou  canst  cure, 
My  life  and  kingdom  let  thy  mercy  save 

From  death  and  ruin :  but  in  vain  I  prove  thee, 
If  right,  if  truth,  if  justice  cannot  move  thee. 

"  Thou  who  dost  all  thou  wishest,  at  thy  will, 
And  never  wiliest  aught  but  what  is  right, 
Preserve  this  guiltless  blood  they  seek  to  spill; 
Thine  be  my  kingdom,  save  it  with  thy  might: 
Among  these  captains,  lords,  and  knights  of  skill, 
Appoint  me  ten,  approved  most  in  fight, 
Who  with  assistance  of  my  friends  and  kin, 
May  serve  my  kingdom  lost  again  to  win. 

"  For  lo  a  knight,  that  had  a  gate  to  ward, 
A  man  of  chiefest  trust  about  his  king, 
Hath  promised  so  to  beguile  the  guard 
That  me  and  mine  he  undertakes  to  bring 
Safe,  where  the  tyrant  haply  sleepeth  hard 
He  counselled  me  to  undertake  this  thing, 
Of  these  some  little  succor  to  intreat, 
Whose  name  alone  accomplish  can  the  feat." 

This  said,  his  answer  did  the  nymph  attend, 
Her  looks,  her  sighs,  her  gestures  all  did  pray  him : 
But  Godfrey  wisely  did  his  grant  suspend, 
He  doubts  the  worst,  and  that  awhile  did  stay  him, 
He  knows,  who  fears  no  God,  he  loves  no  friend, 
He  fears  the  heathen  false  would  thus  betray  him: 
But  yet  such  ruth  dwelt  in  his  princely  mind, 
That  gainst  his  wisdom,  pity  made  him  kind. 

Besides  the  kindness  of  his  gentle  thought, 
Ready  to  comfort  each  distressed  wight, 
The  maiden's  offer  profit  with  it  brought ; 
For  if  the  Syrian  kingdom  were  her  right, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  77 

That  won,  the  way  were  easy,  which  he  sought, 

To  bring  all  Asia  subject  to  his  might : 

There  might  he  raise  munition,  arms  and  treasure, 
To  work  the  Egyptian  king  and  his  displeasure. 

Thus  was  his  noble  heart  long  time  betwixt 
Fear  and  remorse,  not  granting  nor  denying, 
Upon  his  eyes  the  dame  her  lookings  fixed, 
As  if  her  life  and  death  lay  on  his  saying, 
Some  tears  she  shed,  with  sighs  and  sobbings  mixed, 
As  if  her  hopes  were  dead  through  his  delaying; 
At  last  her  earnest  suit  the  duke  denayed, 
But  with  sweet  words  thus  would  content  the  maid : 

"If  not  in  service  of  our  God  we  fought, 

In  meaner  quarrel  if  this  sword  were  shaken, 

Well  might  thou  gather  in  thy  gentle  thought, 

So  fair  a  princess  should  not  be  forsaken ; 

But  since  these  armies,  from  the  world's  end  brought, 

To  free  this  sacred  town  have  undertaken, 

It  were  unfit  we  turned  our  strength  away, 

And  victory,  even  in  her  coming,  stay. 

"  I  promise  thee,  and  on  my  princely  word 
The  burden  of  thy  wish  and  hope  repose, 
That  when  this  chosen  temple  of  the  Lord, 
Her  holy  doors  shall  to  his  saints  unclose 
In  rest  and  peace ;  then  this  victorious  sword 
Shall  execute  due  vengeance  on  thy  foes ; 
But  if  for  pity  of  a  worldly  dame 
I  left  this  work,  such  pity  were  my  shame." 

At  this  the  princess  bent  her  eyes  to  ground, 
And  stood  unmoved,  though  not  unmarked,  a  space, 
The  secret  bleeding  of  her  inward  wound 
Shed  heavenly  dew  upon  her  angel's  face, 
"  Poor  wretch,"  quoth  she,  "  in  tears  and  sorrows  drowned, 
Death  be  thy  peace,  the  grave  thy  resting-place, 
Since  such  thy  hap,  that  lest  thou  mercy  find 
The  gentlest  heart  on  earth  is  proved  unkind. 


78  TASSO 

"  Where  none  attends,  what  boots  it  to  complain  ? 
Men's  froward  hearts  are  moved  with  women's  tears 
As  marble  stones  are  pierced  with  drops  of  rain, 
No  plaints  find  passage  through  unwilling  ears: 
The  tyrant,  haply,  would  his  wrath  restrain 
Heard  he  these  prayers  ruthless  Godfrey  hears, 
Yet  not  thy  fault  is  this,  my  chance,  I  see, 
Hath  made  even  pity,  pitiless  in  thee. 

"  So  both  thy  goodness,  and  good  hap,  denayed  me, 
Grief,  sorrow,  mischief,  care,  hath  overthrown  me, 
The  star  that  ruled  my  birthday  hath  betrayed  me, 
My  genius  sees  his  charge,  but  dares  not  own  me, 
Of  queen-like  state,  my  flight  hath  disarrayed  me, 
My  father  died,  ere  he  five  years  had  known  me, 
My  kingdom  lost,  and  lastly  resteth  now, 
Down  with  the  tree  sith  broke  is  every  bough. 

"  And  for  the  modest  lore  of  maidenhood, 
Bids  me  not  sojourn  with  these  armed  men, 
O  whither  shall  I  fly,  what  secret  wood 
Shall  hide  me  from  the  tyrant?  or  what  den, 
What  rock,  what  vault,  what  cave  can  do  me  good  ? 
No,  no,  where  death  is  sure,  it  resteth  then 
To  scorn  his  power  and  be  it  therefore  seen, 
Armida  lived,  and  died,  both  like  a  queen." 

With  that  she  looked  as  if  a  proud  disdain      j 
Kindled  displeasure  in  her  noble  mind, 
The  way  she  came  she  turned  her  steps  again, 
With  gesture  sad  but  in  disdainful  kind, 
A  tempest  railed  down  her  cheeks  amain, 
With  tears  of  woe,  and  sighs  of  anger's  wind ; 

The  drops  her  footsteps  wash,  whereon  she  treads, 
And  seems  to  step  on  pearls,  or  crystal  beads. 

Her  cheeks  on  which  this  streaming  nectar  fell, 
Stilled  through  the  limbeck  of  her  diamond  eyes, 
The  roses  white  and  red  resembled  well, 
Whereon  the  rory  May-dew  sprinkled  lies 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  79 

When  the  fair  morn  first  blusheth  from  her  cell, 
And  breatheth  balm  from  opened  paradise ; 

Thus  sighed,  thus  mourned,  thus  wept  this  lovely  queen, 

And  in  each  drop  bathed  a  grace  unseen. 

Thrice  twenty  Cupids  unperceived  flew 

To  gather  up  this  liquor,  ere  it  fall, 

And  of  each  drop  an  arrow  forged  new, 

Else,  as  it  came,  snatched  up  the  crystal  ball, 

And  at  rebellious  hearts  for  wildfire  threw. 

O  wondrous  love !  thou  makest  gain  of  all ; 
For  if  she  weeping  sit,  or  smiling  stand, 
She  bends  thy  bow,  or  kindleth  else  thy  brand. 

This  forged  plaint  drew  forth  unfeigned  tears 
From  many  eyes,  and  pierced  each  worthy's  heart ; 
Each  one  condoleth  with  her  that  her  hears, 
And  of  her  grief  would  help  her  bear  the  smart : 
If  Godfrey  aid  her  not,  not  one  but  swears 
Some  tigress  gave  him  suck  on  roughest  part 
Midst  the  rude  crags,  on  Alpine  cliffs  aloft: 
Hard  is  that  heart  which  beauty  makes  not  soft. 


But  jolly  Eustace,  in  whose  breast  the  brand 
Of  love  and  pity  kindled  had  the  flame, 
While  others  softly  whispered  underhand, 
Before  the  duke  with  comely  boldness  came: 
"  Brother  and  lord,"  quoth  he,  "  too  long  you  stand 
In  your  first  purpose,  yet  vouchsafe  to  frame 
Your  thoughts  to  ours,  and  lend  this  virgin  aid : 
Thanks  are  half  lost  when  good  turns  are  delayed. 

"  And  think  not  that  Eustace's  talk  assays 
To  turn  these  forces  from  this  present  war, 
Or  that  I  wish  you  should  your  armies  raise 
From  Sion's  walls,  my  speech  tends  not  so  far: 
But  we  that  venture  all  for  fame  and  praise, 
That  to  no  charge  nor  service  bounden  are, 
Forth  of  our  troop  may  ten  well  spared  be 
To  succor  her,  which  naught  can  weaken  thee. 


So  TASSO 

"  And  know,  they  shall  in  God's  high  service  fight, 
That  virgins  innocent  save  and  defend : 
Dear  will  the  spoils  be  in  the  Heaven's  sight, 
That  from  a  tyrant's  hateful  head  we  rend: 
Nor  seemed  I  forward  in  this  lady's  right, 
With  hope  of  gain  or  profit  in  the  end ; 
But  for  I  know  he  arms  unworthy  bears, 
To  help  a  maiden's  cause  that  shuns  or  fears. 

"  Ah !  be  it  not  pardie  declared  in  France, 
Or  elsewhere  told  where  courtesy  is  in  prize, 
That  we  forsook  so  fair  a  chevisance, 
For  doubt  or  fear  that  might  from  fight  arise ; 
Else,  here  surrender  I  both  sword  and  lance, 
And  swear  no  more  to  use  this  martial  guise ; 
For  ill  deserves  he  to  be  termed  a  knight, 
That  bears  a  blunt  sword  in  a  lady's  right." 

Thus  parleyed  he,  and  with  confused  sound, 
The  rest  approved  what  the  gallant  said, 
Their  general  their  knights  encompassed  round, 
With  humble  grace,  and  earnest  suit  they  prayed: 
"  I  yield,"  quoth  he,  "  and  it  be  happy  found, 
What  I  have  granted,  let  her  have  your  aid : 
Yours  be  the  thanks,  for  yours  the  danger  is, 
If  aught  succeed,  as  much  I  fear,  amiss. 

"  But  if  with  you  my  words  may  credit  find, 
Oh  temper  then  this  heat  misguides  you  so ! " 
Thus  much  he  said,  but  they  with  fancy  blind, 
Accept  his  grant,  and  let  his  counsel  go. 
What  works  not  beauty,  man's  relenting  mind 
Is  eath  to  move  with  plaints  and  shows  of  woe : 
Her  lips  cast  forth  a  chain  of  sugared  words, 
That  captive  led  most  of  the  Christian  lords. 

Eustace  recalled  her,  and  bespake  her  thus : 
"  Beauty's  chief  darling,  let  these  sorrows  be, 
For  such  assistance  shall  you  find  in  us 
As  with  your  need,  or  will,  may  best  agree :  " 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  8l 

With  that  she  cheered  her  forehead  dolorous, 
And  smiled  for  joy,  that  Phoebus  blushed  to  see, 
And  had  she  deigned  her  veil  for  to  remove, 
The  God  himself  once  more  had  fallen  in  love. 

With  that  she  broke  the  silence  once  again, 
And  gave  the  knight  great  thanks  in  little  speech, 
She  said  she  would  his  handmaid  poor  remain, 
So  far  as  honor's  laws  received  no  breach. 
Her  humble  gestures  made  the  residue  plain, 
Dumb  eloquence,  persuading  more  than  speech : 
Thus  women  know,  and  thus  they  use  the  guise, 
To  enchant  the  valiant,  and  beguile  the  wise. 

And  when  she  saw  her  enterprise  had  got 
Some  wished  mean  of  quick  and  good  proceeding, 
She  thought  to  strike  the  iron  that  was  hot, 
For  every  action  hath  his  hour  of  speeding : 
Medea  or  false  Circe  changed  not 
So  far  the  shapes  of  men,  as  her  eyes  spreading 
Altered  their  hearts,  and  with  her  syren's  sound 
In  lust,  their  minds,  their  hearts,  in  love  she  drowned. 

All  wily  sleights  that  subtle  women  know, 
Hourly  she  used,  to  catch  some  lover  new. 
None  kenned  the  bent  of  her  unsteadfast  bow, 
For  with  the  time  her  thoughts  her  looks  renew, 
From  some  she  cast  her  modest  eyes  below, 
At  some  her  gazing  glances  roving  flew, 

And  while  she  thus  pursued  her  wanton  sport, 
She  spurred  the  slow,  and  reined  the  forward  short. 

If  some,  as  hopeless  that  she  would  be  won, 
Forbore  to  love,  because  they  durst  not  move  her, 
On  them  her  gentle  looks  to  smile  begun, 
As  who  say  she  is  kind  if  you  dare  prove  her 
On  every  heart  thus  shone  this  lustful  sun, 
All  strove  to  serve,  to  please,  to  woo,  to  love  her, 
And  in  their  hearts  that  chaste  and  bashful  were, 
Her  eye's  hot  glance  dissolved  the  frost  of  fear. 


TASSO 

On  them  who  durst  with  fingering  bold  assay 
To  touch  the  softness  of  her  tender  skin, 
She  looked  as  coy,  as  if  she  list  not  play, 
And  made  as  things  of  worth  were  hard  to  win ; 
Yet  tempered  so  her  deignful  looks  alway, 
That  outward  scorn  showed  store  of  grace  within : 
Thus  with  false  hope  their  longing  hearts  she  fired, 
For  hardest  gotten  things  are  most  desired. 

Alone  sometimes  she  walked  in  secret  where, 
To  ruminate  upon  her  discontent, 
Within  her  eyelids  sate  the  swelling  tear, 
Not  poured  forth,  though  sprung  from  sad  lament, 
And  with  this  craft  a  thousand  souls  well  near 
In  snares  of  foolish  ruth  and  love  she  hent, 
And  kept  as  slaves,  by  which  we  fitly  prove 
That  witless  pity  breedeth  fruitless  love. 

Sometimes,  as  if  her  hope  unloosed  had 
The  chains  of  grief,  wherein  her  thoughts  lay  fettered, 
Upon  her  minions  looked  she  blithe  and  glad, 
In  that  deceitful  lore  so  was  she  lettered ; 
Not  glorious  Titan,  in  his  brightness  clad, 
The  sunshine  of  her  face  in  lustre  bettered : 
For  when  she  list  to  cheer  her  beauties  so, 
She  smiled  away  the  clouds  of  grief  and  woe. 

Her  double  charm  of  smiles  and  sugared  words, 
Lulled  on  sleep  the  virtue  of  their  senses, 
Reason  small  aid  gainst  those  assaults  affords, 
Wisdom  no  warrant  from  those  sweet  offences ; 
Cupid's  deep  rivers  have  their  shallow  fords, 
His  griefs,  bring  joys ;  his  losses,  recompenses ; 
He  breeds  the  sore,  and  cures  us  of  the  pain : 
Achilles'  lance  that  wounds  and  heals  again. 

While  thus  she  them  torments  twixt  frost  and  fire, 
Twixt  joy  and  grief,  twixt  hope  and  restless  fear, 
The  sly  enchantress  felt  her  gain  the  nigher, 
iThese  were  her  flocks  that  golden  fleeces  bear: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  83 

But  if  someone  durst  utter  his  desire, 

And  by  complaining  make  his  griefs  appear, 
He  labored  hard  rocks  with  plaints  to  move, 
She  had  not  learned  the  gamut  then  of  love. 

For  down  she  bent  her  bashful  eyes  to  ground, 
And  donned  the  weed  of  women's  modest  grace, 
Down  from  her  eyes  welled  the  pearls  round, 
Upon  the  bright  enamel  of  her  face ; 
Such  honey  drops  on  springing  flowers  are  found 
.When  Phoebus  holds  the  crimson  morn  in  chase; 

Full  seemed  her  looks  of  anger,  and  of  shame ; 

Yet  pity  shone  transparent  through  the  same. 

If  she  perceived  by  his  outward  cheer, 
That  any  would  his  love  by  talk  bewray, 
Sometimes  she  heard  him,  sometimes  stopped  her  ear, 
And  played  fast  and  loose  the  livelong  day: 
Thus  all  her  lovers  kind  deluded  were, 
Their  earnest  suit  got  neither  yea  nor  nay ; 
But  like  the  sort  of  weary  huntsmen  fare, 
That  hunt  all  day,  and  lose  at  night  the  hare. 

These  were  the  arts  by  which  she  captived 
A  thousand  souls  of  young  and  lusty  knights ; 
These  were  the  arms  wherewith  love  conquered 
Their  feeble  hearts  subdued  in  wanton  fights: 
What  wonder  if  Achilles  were  misled, 
Of  great  Alcides  at  their  ladies'  sights, 

Since  these  true  champions  of  the  Lord  above 
Were  thralls  to  beauty,  yielden  slaves  to  lovee  , 


FIFTH   BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 

Gernando  scorns  Rinaldo  should  aspire 
To  rule  that  charge  for  which  he  seeks  and  strives, 
And  slanders  him  so  far,  that  in  his  ire 
The  wronged  knight  his  foe  of  life  deprives: 
Far  from  the  camp  the  slayer  doth  retire, 
Nor  lets  himself  be  bound  in  chains  or  gyves: 
Armide  departs  content,  and  from  the  seas 
Godfrey  hears  news  which  him  and  his  displease. 

WHILE  thus  Armida  false  the  knights  misled 
In  wandering  errors  of  deceitful  love, 
And  thought,  besides  the  champions  promised, 
The  other  lordings  in  her  aid  to  move, 
In  Godfrey's  thought  a  strong  contention  bred 
.Who  fittest  were  this  hazard  great  to  prove ; 
For  all  the  worthies  of  the  adventurers'  band 
Were  like  in  birth,  in  power,  in  strength  of  hand. 

But  first  the  prince,  by  grave  advice,  decreed 
They  should  some  knight  choose  at  their  own  election, 
That  in  his  charge  Lord  Dudon  might  succeed, 
And  of  that  glorious  troop  should  take  protection ; 
So  none  should  grieve,  displeased  with  the  deed, 
Nor  blame  the  causer  of  their  new  subjection : 
Besides,  Godfredo  showed  by  this  device, 
How  much  he  held  that  regiment  in  price. 

He  called  the  worthies  then,  and  spake  them  so: 
"  Lordings,  you  know  I  yielded  to  your  will, 
And  gave  you  license  with  this  dame  to  go, 
iTo  win  her  kingdom  and  that  tyrant  kill : 

84 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  85 

But  now  again  I  let  you  further  know, 

In  following  her  it  may  betide  you  ill ; 
Refrain  therefore,  and  change  this  forward  thought 
For  death  unsent  for,  danger  comes  unsought. 

"  But  if  to  shun  these  perils,  sought  so  far, 
May  seem  disgraceful  to  the  place  you  hold; 
If  grave  advice  and  prudent  counsel  are 
Esteemed  detractors  from  your  courage  bold; 
Then  know,  I  none  against  his  will  debar, 
Nor  what  I  granted  erst  I  now  withhold ; 
But  be  mine  empire,  as  it  ought  of  right, 
Sweet,  easy,  pleasant,  gentle,  meek  and  light. 

"  Go  then  or  tarry,  each  as  likes  him  best, 

Free  power  I  grant  you  on  this  enterprise ; 

But  first  in  Dudon's  place,  now  laid  in  chest, 

Choose  you  some  other  captain  stout  and  wise ; 

Then  ten  appoint  among  the  worthiest, 

But  let  no  more  attempt  this  hard  emprise, 
In  this  my  will  content  you  that  I  have, 
For  power  constrained  is  but  a  glorious  slave." 

Thus  Godfrey  said,  and  thus  his  brother  spake, 

And  answered  for  himself  and  all  his  peers: 

"  My  lord,  as  well  it  fitteth  thee  to  make 

These  wise  delays  and  cast  these  doubts  and  fears, 

So  'tis  our  part  at  first  to  undertake ; 

Courage  and  haste  beseems  our  might  and  years; 

And  this  proceeding  with  so  grave  advice, 

Wisdom,  in  you,  in  us  were  cowardice. 

"  Since  then  the  feat  is  easy,  danger  none, 
All  set  in  battle  and  in  hardy  fight, 
Do  thou  permit  the  chosen  ten  to  gone 
And  aid  the  damsel :  "  thus  devised  the  knight, 
To  make  men  think  the  sun  of  honor  shone 
There  where  the  lamp  of  Cupid  gave  the  light : 
The  rest  perceive  his  guile,  and  it  approve, 
And  call  that  knighthood  which  was  childish  love. 


86  TASSO 

But  loving  Eustace,  that  with  jealous  eye 

Beheld  the  worth  of  Sophia's  noble  child, 

And  his  fair  shape  did  secretly  envy, 

Besides  the  virtues  in  his  breast  compiled, 

And,  for  in  love  he  would  no  company, 

He  stored  his  mouth  with  speeches  smoothly  filed, 

Drawing  his  rival  to  attend  his  word ; 

Thus  with  fair  sleight  he  laid  the  knight  abord : 

"  Of  great  Bertoldo  thou  far  greater  heir, 
Thou  star  of  knighthood,  flower  of  chivalry, 
Tell  me,  who  now  shall  lead  this  squadron  fair, 
Since  our  late  guide  in  marble  cold  doth  lie  ? 
I,  that  with  famous  Dudon  might  compare 
In  all,  but  years,  hoar  locks,  and  gravity, 

To  whom  should  I,  Duke  Godfrey's  brother,  yield, 
Unless  to  thee,  the  Christian  army's  shield? 

"  Thee  whom  high  birth  makes  equal  with  the  best 
Thine  acts  prefer  both  me  and  all  beforn ; 
Nor  that  in  fight  thou  both  surpass  the  rest, 
And  Godfrey's  worthy  self,  I  hold  in  scorn ; 
Thee  to  obey  then  am  I  only  pressed ; 
Before  these  worthies  be  thine  eagle  borne ; 
This  honor  haply  thou  esteemest  light, 
Whose  day  of  glory  never  yet  found  night. 

"  Yet  mayest  thou  further  by  this  means  display 
The  spreading  wings  of  thy  immortal  fame ; 
I  will  procure  it,  if  thou  sayest  not  nay, 
And  all  their  wills  to  thine  election  frame : 
But  for  I  scantly  am  resolved  which  way 
To  bend  my  force,  or  where  employ  the  same, 
Leave  me,  I  pray,  at  my  discretion  free 
To  help  Armida,  or  serve  here  with  thee." 

This  last  request,  for  love  is  evil  to  hide, 
Empurpled  both  his  cheeks  with  scarlet  red; 
Rinaldo  soon  his  passions  had  descried, 
And  gently  smiling  turned  aside  his  head, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  87 

And,  for  weak  Cupid  was  too  feeble  eyed 
To  strike  him  sure,  the  fire  in  him  was  dead; 

So  that  of  rivals  was  he  naught  afraid, 

Nor  cared  he  for  the  journey  or  the  maid. 

But  in  his  noble  thought  revolved  he  oft 

Dudon's  high  prowess,  death  and  burial, 

And  how  Argantes  bore  his  plumes  aloft, 

Praising  his  fortunes  for  that  worthy's  fall ; 

Besides,  the  knight's  sweet  words  and  praises  soft 

To  his  due  honor  did  him  fitly  call, 

And  made  his  heart  rejoice,  for  well  he  knew, 
Though  much  he  praised  him,  all  his  words  were  true. 

"  Degrees,"  quoth  he,  "  of  honors  high  to  hold, 
I  would  them  first  deserve,  and  then  desire; 
And  were  my  valor  such  as  you  have  told, 
Would  I  for  that  to  higher  place  aspire : 
But  if  to  honors  due  raise  me  you  would, 
I  will  not  of  my  works  refuse  the  hire ; 

And  much  it  glads  me,  that  my  power  and  might 

Ypraised  is  by  such  a  valiant  knight. 

"  I  neither  seek  it  nor  refuse  the  place, 
Which  if  I  get,  the  praise  and  thanks  be  thine." 
Eustace,  this  spoken,  hied  thence  apace 
To  know  which  way  his  fellows'  hearts  incline : 
But  Prince  Gernando  coveted  the  place, 
Whom  though  Armida  sought  to  undermine, 
Gainst  him  yet  vain  did  all  her  engines  prove, 
His  pride  was  such,  there  was  no  place  for  love. 

Gernando  was  the  King  of  Norway's  son, 
That  many  a  realm  and  region  had  to  guide, 
And  for  his  elders  lands  and  crowns  had  won. 
His  heart  was  puffed  up  with  endless  pride : 
The  other  boasts  more  what  himself  had  done 
Than  all  his  ancestors'  great  acts  beside; 
Yet  his  forefathers  old  before  him  were 
Famous  in  war  and  peace  five  hundred  year. 


88  TASSO 

This  barbarous  prince,  who  only  vainly  thought 
That  bliss  in  wealth  and  kingly  power  doth  lie, 
And  in  respect  esteemed  all  virtue  naught 
Unless  it  were  adorned  with  titles  high, 
Could  not  endure,  that  to  the  place  he  sought 
A  simple  knight  should  dare  to  press  so  nigh; 
And  in  his  breast  so  boiled  fell  despite, 
That  ire  and  wrath  exiled  reason  quite. 

The  hidden  devil,  that  lies  in  close  await 
To  win  the  fort  of  unbelieving  man, 
Found  entry  there,  where  ire  undid  the  gate, 
And  in  his  bosom  unperceived  ran; 
It  filled  his  heart  with  malice,  strife  and  hate, 
It  made  him  rage,  blaspheme,  swear,  curse  and  ban, 
Invisible  it  still  attends  him  near, 
And  thus  each  minute  whispereth  in  his  ear. 

What,  shall  Rinaldo  match  thee  ?  dares  he  tell 
Those  idle  names  of  his  vain  pedigree? 
Then  let  him  say,  if  thee  he  would  excel, 
What  lands,  what  realms  his  tributaries  be: 
If  his  forefathers  in  the  graves  that  dwell, 
Were  honored  like  thine  that  live,  let  see : 

Oh  how  dares  one  so  mean  aspire  so  high, 

Born  in  that  servile  country  Italy? 

Now,  if  he  win,  or  if  he  lose  the  day, 
Yet  is  his  praise  and  glory  hence  derived, 
For  that  the  world  will,  to  his  credit,  say, 
Lo,  this  is  he  that  with  Gernando  strived. 
The  charge  some  deal  thee  haply  honor  may, 
That  noble  Dudon  had  while  here  he  lived ; 
But  laid  on  him  he  would  the  office  shame, 
Let  it  suffice,  he  durst  desire  the  same. 

If  when  this  breath  from  man's  frail  body  flies 
The  soul  take  keep,  or  know  the  things  done  here, 
Oh,  how  looks  Dudon  from  the  glorious  skies? 
What  wrath,  what  anger  in  his  face  appear, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  89 

On  this  proud  youngling  while  he  bends  his  eyes, 
Marking  how  high  he  doth  his  feathers  rear? 
Seeing  his  rash  attempt,  how  soon  he  dare, 
Though  but  a  boy,  with  his  great  worth  compare. 

He  dares  not  only,  but  he  strives  and  proves, 
Where  chastisement  were  fit  there  wins  he  praise : 
One  counsels  him,  his  speech  him  forward  moves; 
Another  fool  approveth  all  he  says: 
If  Godfrey  favor  him  more  than  behoves, 
•Why  then  he  wrongeth  thee  an  hundred  ways ; 
Nor  let  thy  state  so  far  disgraced  be, 
Now  what  thou  art  and  canst,  let  Godfrey  see. 

With  such  false  words  the  kindled  fire  began 
To  every  vein  his  poisoned  heat  to  reach, 
It  swelled  his  scornful  heart,  and  forth  it  ran 
At  his  proud  looks,  and  too  audacious  speech ; 
All  that  he  thought  blameworthy  in  the  man, 
To  his  disgrace  that  would  he  each  where  preach ; 
He  termed  him  proud  and  vain,  his  worth  in  fight 
He  called  fool-hardise,  rashness,  madness  right. 

All  that  in  him  was  rare  or  excellent, 

All  that  was  good,  all  that  was  princely  found, 

With  such  sharp  words  as  malice  could  invent, 

He  blamed,  such  power  has  wicked  tongue  to  wound. 

The  youth,  for  everywhere  those  rumors  went, 

Of  these  reproaches  heard  sometimes  the  sound ; 

Nor  did  for  that  his  tongue  the  fault  amend, 

Until  it  brought  him  to  his  woful  end. 

The  cursed  fiend  that  set  his  tongue  at  large, 
Still  bred  more  fancies  in  his  idle  brain, 
His  heart  with  slanders  new  did  overcharge, 
And  soothed  him  still  in  his  angry  vein ; 
Amid  the  camp  a  place  was  broad  and  large, 
jWhere  one  fair  regiment  might  easily  train ; 
And  there  in  tilt  and  harmless  tournament 
.Their  days  of  rest  the  youths  and  gallants  spent. 


90  TASSO 

There,  as  his  fortune  would  it  should  betide, 
Amid  the  press  Gernando  gan  retire, 
To  vomit  out  his  venom  unespied, 
Wherewith  foul  envy  did  his  heart  inspire. 
Rinaldo  heard  him  as  he  stood  beside, 
And  as  he  could  not  bridle  wrath  and  ire, 

"  Thou  liest,"  cried  he  loud,  and  with  that  word 
About  his  head  he  tossed  his  flaming  sword. 

Thunder  his  voice,  and  lightning  seemed  his  brand, 
So  fell  his  look  and  furious  was  his  cheer, 
Gernando  trembled,  for  he  saw  at  hand 
Pale  death,  and  neither  help  nor  comfort  near, 
Yet  for  the  soldiers  all  to  witness  stand 
He  made  proud  sign,  as  though  he  naught  did  fear, 
But  bravely  drew  his  little-helping  blade, 
And  valiant  show  of  strong  resistance  made. 

With  that  a  thousand  blades  of  burnished  steel 
Glistered  on  heaps  like  flames  of  fire  in  sight, 
Hundreds,  that  knew  not  yet  the  quarrel  weel, 
Ran  thither,  some  to  gaze  and  some  to  fight : 
The  empty  air  a  sound  confused  did  feel 
Of  murmurs  low,  and  outcries  loud  on  height, 
Like  rolling  waves  and  Boreas'  angry  blasts 
When  roaring  seas  against  the  rocks  he  casts. 

But  not  for  this  the  wronged  warrior  stayed 
His  just  displeasure  and  incensed  ire, 
He  cared  not  what  the  vulgar  did  or  said, 
To  vengeance  did  his  courage  fierce  aspire : 
Among  the  thickest  weapons  way  he  made, 
His  thundering  sword  made  all  on  heaps  retire, 
So  that  of  near  a  thousand  stayed  not  one, 
But  Prince  Gernando  bore  the  brunt  alone. 

His  hand,  too  quick  to  execute  his  wrath, 
Performed  all,  as  pleased  his  eye  and  heart, 
At  head  and  breast  oft  times  he  strucken  hath, 
Now  at  the  right,  now  at  the  other  part : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

On  every  side  thus  did  he  harm  and  scath, 
And  oft  beguiled  his  sight  with  nimble  art, 
That  no  defence  the  prince  of  wounds  acquits, 
Where  least  he  thinks,  or  fears,  there  most  he  hits. 

Nor  ceased  he,  till  in  Gernando's  breast 
He  sheathed  once  or  twice  his  furious  blade ; 
Down  fell  the  hapless  prince  with  death  oppressed, 
A  double  way  to  his  weak  soul  was  made ; 
His  bloody  sword  the  victor  wiped  and  dressed, 
Nor  longer  by  the  slaughtered  body  stayed, 
But  sped  him  thence,  and  soon  appeased  hath 
His  hate,  his  ire,  his  rancor  and  his  wrath. 

Called  by  the  tumult,  Godfrey  drew  him  near, 

And  there  beheld  a  sad  and  rueful  sight, 

The  signs  of  death  upon  his  face  appear, 

With  dust  and  blood  his  locks  were  loathly  dight, 

Sighs  and  complaints  on  each  side  might  he  hear, 

Made  for  the  sudden  death  of  that  great  knight : 

Amazed,  he  asked  who  durst  and  did  so  much ; 

For  yet  he  knew  not  whom  the  fault  would  touch. 

Arnoldo,  minion  of  the  Prince  thus  slain, 
Augments  the  fault  in  telling  it,  and  saith, 
This  Prince  is  murdered,  for  a  quarrel  vain, 
By  young  Rinaldo  in  his  desperate  wrath, 
And  with  that  sword  that  should  Christ's  law  maintain 
One  of  Christ's  champions  bold  he  killed  hath, 
And  this  he  did  in  such  a  place  and  hour, 
As  if  he  scorned  your  rule,  despised  your  power. 

And  further  adds,  that  he  deserved  death 
By  law,  and  law  should  be  inviolate, 
That  none  offence  could  greater  be  uneath, 
And  yet  the  place  the  fault  did  aggravate : 
If  he  escape,  that  mischief  would  take  breath, 
And  flourish  bold  in  spite  of  rule  and  state ; 

And  that  Gernando's  friends  would  venge  the  wrong, 
Although  to  justice  that  did  first  belong, 


92  TASSO 

And  by  that  means,  should  discord,  hate  and  strife 
Raise  mutinies,  and  what  therefore  ensueth : 
Lastly  he  praised  the  dead,  and  still  had  rife 
All  words  he  thought  could  vengeance  move  or  ruth. 
Against  him  Tancred  argued  for  life, 
With  honest  reasons  to  excuse  the  youth : 

The  Duke  heard  all,  but  with  such  sober  cheer, 
As  banished  hope,  and  still  increased  fear. 

"  Great  Prince,"  quoth  Tancred,  "  set  before  thine  eyes 

Rinaldo's  worth  and  courage  what  it  is, 

How  much  our  hope  of  conquest  in  him  lies ; 

Regard  that  princely  house  and  race  of  his ; 

He  that  correcteth  every  fault  he  spies, 

And  judgeth  all  alike,  doth  all  amiss ; 

For  faults,  you  know,  are  greater  thought  or  less, 
As  is  the  person's  self  that  doth  transgress." 

Godfredo  answered  him,  "  If  high  and  low 
Of  sovereign  power  alike  should  feel  the  stroke, 
Then,  Tancred,  ill  you  counsel  us,  I  trow ; 
If  lords  should  know  no  law,  as  erst  you  spoke, 
How  vile  and  base  our  empire  were  you  know, 
If  none  but  slaves  and  peasants  bear  the  yoke ; 
Weak  is  the  sceptre  and  the  power  is  small 
That  such  provisos  bring  annexed  withal. 

"  But  mine  was  freely  given  ere  'twas  sought, 
Nor  that  it  lessened  be  I  now  consent ; 
Right  well  know  I  both  when  and  where  I  ought 
To  give  condign  reward  and  punishment, 
Since  you  are  all  in  like  subjection  brought, 
Both  high  and  low  obey,  and  be  content." 
This  heard,  Tancredi  wisely  stayed  his  words, 
Such  weight  the  sayings  have  of  kings  and  lords. 

Old  Raymond  praised  his  speech,  for  old  men  think 
They  ever  wisest  seem  when  most  severe, 
"  'Tis  best,"  quoth  he,  "  to  make  these  great  ones  shrink, 
.The  people  love  him  whom  the  nobles  fear : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  93 

There  must  the  rule  to  all  disorders  sink, 
Where  pardons  more  than  punishments  appear ; 

For  feeble  is  each  kingdom,  frail  and  weak, 

Unless  his  basis  be  this  fear  I  speak." 

These  words  Tancredi  heard  and  pondered  well, 
And  by  them  wist  how  Godfrey's  thoughts  were  bent, 
Nor  list  he  longer  with  these  old  men  dwell, 
But  turned  his  horse  and  to  Rinaldo  went, 
Who,  when  his  noble  foe  death-wounded  fell, 
Withdrew  him  softly  to  his  gorgeous  tent; 

There  Tancred  found  him,  and  at  large  declared 
The  words  and  speeches  sharp  which  late  you  heard. 

And  said,  "  Although  I  wot  the  outward  show 
Is  not  true  witness  of  the  secret  thought, 
For  that  some  men  so  subtle  are,  I  trow, 
That  what  they  purpose  most  appeareth  naught ; 
Yet  dare  I  say  Godfredo  means,  I  know, 
Such  knowledge  hath  his  looks  and  speeches  wrought, 
You  shall  first  prisoner  be,  and  then  be  tried 
As  he  shall  deem  it  good  and  law  provide." 

With  that  a  bitter  smile  well  might  you  see 
Rinaldo  cast,  with  scorn  and  high  disdain, 
"  Let  them  in  fetters  plead  their  cause,"  quoth  he, 
"  That  are  base  peasants,  born  of  servile  stain, 
I  was  free  born,  I  live  and  will  die  free 
Before  these  feet  be  fettered  in  a  chain : 

These  hands  were  made  to  shake  sharp  spears  and  swords, 

Not  to  be  tied  in  gyves  and  twisted  cords. 

"  If  my  good  service  reap  this  recompense, 
To  be  clapt  up  in  close  and  secret  mew, 
And  as  a  thief  be  after  dragged  from  thence, 
To  suffer  punishment  as  law  finds  due; 
Let  Godfrey  come  or  send,  I  will  not  hence 
Until  we  know  who  shall  this  bargain  rue, 

That  of  our  tragedy  the  late  done  fact 

May  be  the  first,  and  this  the  second,  act. 


94  TASSO 

"  Give  me  mine  arms,"  he  cried ;  his  squire  them  brings, 
And  clad  his  head,  and  dressed  in  iron  strong, 
About  his  neck  his  silver  shield  he  flings, 
Down  by  his  side  a  cutting  sword  there  hung; 
Among  this  earth's  brave  lords  and  mighty  kings, 
.Was  none  so  stout,  so  fierce,  so  fair,  so  young, 
God  Mars  he  seemed  descending  from  his  sphere, 
Or  one  whose  looks  could  make  great  Mars  to  fear. 

Tancredi  labored  with  some  pleasing  speech 
His  spirits  fierce  and  courage  to  appease ; 
"  Young  Prince,  thy  valor,"  thus  he  gan  to  preach, 
"  Can  chastise  all  that  do  thee  wrong,  at  ease, 
I  know  your  virtue  can  your  enemies  teach, 
That  you  can  venge  you  when  and  where  you  please : 
But  God  forbid  this  day  you  lift  your  arm 
To  do  this  camp  and  us  your  friends  such  harm. 

"  Tell  me  what  will  you  do  ?  why  would  you  stain 

Your  noble  hands  in  our  unguilty  blood  ? 

By  wounding  Christians,  will  you  again 

Pierce  Christ,  whose  parts  they  are  and  members  good? 

Will  you  destroy  us  for  your  glory  vain, 

Unstayed  as  rolling  waves  in  ocean  flood  ? 
Far  be  it  from  you  so  to  prove  your  strength, 
And  let  your  zeal  appease  your  rage  at  length. 

"  For  God's  love  stay  your  heat,  and  just  displeasure, 
Appease  your  wrath,  your  courage  fierce  assuage, 
Patience,  a  praise ;  forbearance,  is  a  treasure ; 
Suffrance,  an  angel's  is ;  a  monster,  rage ; 
At  least  your  actions  by  example  measure, 
And  think  how  I  in  mine  unbridled  age 

Was  wronged,  yet  I  would  not  revengement  take 
On  all  this  camp,  for  one  offender's  sake. 

"  Cilicia  conquered  I,  as  all  men  wot, 
And  there  the  glorious  cross  on  high  I  reared, 
But  Baldwin  came,  and  what  I  nobly  got 
Bereft  me  falsely  when  I  least  him  feared ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  95 

He  seemed  my  friend,  and  I  discovered  not 

His  secret  covetise  which  since  appeared ; 
Yet  strive  I  not  to  get  mine  own  by  fight, 
Or  civil  war,  although  perchance  I  might. 

"If  then  you  scorn  to  be  in  prison  pent, 

If  bonds,  as  high  disgrace,  your  hands  refuse; 

Or  if  your  thoughts  still  to  maintain  are  bent 

Your  liberty,  as  men  of  honor  use : 

To  Antioch  what  if  forthwith  you  went  ? 

And  leave  me  here  your  absence  to  excuse, 

There  with  Prince  Boemond  live  in  ease  and  peace, 
Until  this  storm  of  Godfrey's  anger  cease. 

"  For  soon,  if  forces  come  from  Egypt  land, 

Or  other  nations  that  us  here  confine, 

Godfrey  will  beaten  be  with  his  own  wand, 

And  feel  he  wants  that  valor  great  of  thine, 

Our  camp  may  seem  an  arm  without  a  hand, 

Amid  our  troops  unless  thy  eagle  shine :  " 

With  that  came  Guelpho  and  those  words  approved, 
And  prayed  him  go,  if  him  he  feared  or  loved. 

Their  speeches  soften  much  the  warrior's  heart, 
And  make  his  wilful  thoughts  at  last  relent, 
So  that  he  yields,  and  saith  he  will  depart, 
And  leave  the  Christian  camp  incontinent. 
His  friends,  whose  love  did  never  shrink  or  start, 
Preferred  their  aid,  what  way  soe'er  he  went : 
He  thanked  them  all,  but  left  them  all,  besides 
Two  bold  and  trusty  squires,  and  so  he  rides. 

He  rides,  revolving  in  his  noble  spright 
Such  haughty  thoughts  as  fill  the  glorious  mind ; 
On  hard  adventures  was  his  whole  delight, 
And  now  to  wondrous  acts  his  will  inclined ; 
Alone  against  the  Pagans  would  he  fight, 
And  kill  their  kings  from  Egypt  unto  Inde, 

From  Cynthia's  hills  and  Nilus'  unknown  spring 
He  would  fetch  praise  and  glorious  conquest  bring. 


96  TASSO 

But  Guelpho,  when  the  prince  his  leave  had  take 
And  now  had  spurred  his  courser  on  his  way, 
No  longer  tarriance  with  the  rest  would  make, 
But  hastes  to  find  Godfredo,  if  he  may : 
Who  seeing  him  approaching,  forthwith  spake., 
"  Guelpho,"  quoth  he,  "  for  thee  I  only  stay, 
For  thee  I  sent  my  heralds  all  about, 
In  every  tent  to  seek  and  find  thee  out." 

This  said,  he  softly  drew  the  knight  aside 

Where  none  might  hear,  and  then  bespake  him  thus: 

"  How  chanceth  it  thy  nephew's  rage  and  pride, 

Makes  him  so  far  forget  himself  and  us  ? 

Hardly  could  I  believe  what  is  betide, 

A  murder  done  for  cause  so  frivolous, 

How  I  have  loved  him,  thou  and  all  can  tell ; 

But  Godfrey  loved  him  but  whilst  he  did  well. 

"  I  must  provide  that  every  one  have  right, 
That  all  be  heard,  each  cause  be  well  discussed, 
As  far  from  partial  love  as  free  from  spite, 
I  hear  complaints,  yet  naught  but  proves  I  trust : 
Now  if  Rinaldo  weigh  our  rule  too  light, 
And  have  the  sacred  lore  of  war  so  brust, 
Take  you  the  charge  that  he  before  us  come 
To  clear  himself  and  hear  our  upright  dome. 

"  But  let  him  come  withouten  bond  or  chain, 
For  still  my  thoughts  to  do  him  grace  are  framed; 
But  if  our  power  he  haply  shall  disdain, 
As  well  I  know  his  courage  yet  untamed, 
To  bring  him  by  persuasion  take  some  pain : 
Else,  if  I  prove  severe,  both  you  be  blamed, 

That  forced  my  gentle  nature  gainst  my  thought 
To  rigor,  lest  our  laws  return  to  naught. 

Lord  Guelpho  answered  thus :  "  What  heart  can  bear 
Such  slanders  false,  devised  by  hate  and  spite? 
Or  with  stayed  patience,  reproaches  hear, 
And  not  revenge  by  battle  or  by  fight  ? 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  97 

The  Norway  Prince  hath  bought  his  folly  dear, 
But  who  with  words  could  stay  the  angry  knight? 
A  fool  is  he  that  comes  to  preach  or  prate 
When  men  with  swords  their  right  and  wrong  debate. 

"  And  where  you  wish  he  should  himself  submit 

To  hear  the  censure  of  your  upright  laws ; 

Alas,  that  cannot  be,  for  he  is  flit 

Out  if  this  camp,  withouten  stay  or  pause, 

There  take  my  gage,  behold  I  offer  it 

To  him  that  first  accused  him  in  this  cause, 
Or  any  else  that  dare,  and  will  maintain 
That  for  his  pride  the  prince  was  justly  slain. 

"  I  say  with  reason  Lord  Gernando's  pride 
He  hath  abated,  if  he  have  offended 
Gainst  your  commands,  who  are  his  lord  and  guide, 
Oh  pardon  him,  that  fault  shall  be  amended." 
"If  he  be  gone,"  quoth  Godfrey,  "  let  him  ride 
And  brawl  elsewhere,  here  let  all  strife  be  ended : 
And  you,  Lord  Guelpho,  for  your  nephew's  sake, 
Breed  us  no  new,  nor  quarrels  old  awake." 

This  while,  the  fair  and  false  Armida  strived 
To  get  her  promised  aid  in  sure  possession, 
The  day  to  end,  with  endless  plaint  she  drived ; 
Wit,  beauty,  craft  for  her  made  intercession : 
But  when  the  earth  was  once  of  light  deprived, 
And  western  seas  felt  Titan's  hot  impression, 

'Twixt  two  old  knights,  and  matrons  twain  she  went, 
Where  pitched  was  her  fair  and  curious  tent. 

But  this  false  queen  of  craft  and  sly  invention, — 
Whose  looks,  love's  arrows  were ;  whose  eyes  his  quivers ; 
Whose  beauty  matchless,  free  from  reprehension, 
A  wonder  left  by  Heaven  to  after-livers, — 
Among  the  Christian  lords  had  bred  contention 
Who  first  should  quench  his  flames  in  Cupid's  rivers, 
While  all  her  weapons  and  her  darts  rehearsed, 
Had  not  Godfredo's  constant  bosom  pierced. 


98  TASSO 

To  change  his  modest  thought  the  dame  procureth, 
And  proffereth  heaps  of  love's  enticing  treasure : 
But  as  the  falcon  newly  gorged  endureth 
Her  keeper  lure  her  oft,  but  comes  at  leisure ; 
So  he,  whom  fulness  of  delight  assureth 
What  long  repentance  comes  of  love's  short  pleasure, 
Her  crafts,  her  arts,  herself  and  all  despiseth, 
So  base  affections  fall,  when  virtue  riseth. 

And  not  one  foot  his  steadfast  foot  was  moved 
Out  of  that  heavenly  path,  wherein  he  paced, 
Yet  thousand  wiles  and  thousand  ways  she  proved, 
To  have  that  castle  fair  of  goodness  rased : 
She  used  those  looks  and  smiles  that  most  behoved 
To  melt  the  frost  which  his  hard  heart  embraced, 
And  gainst  his  breast  a  thousand  shot  she  ventured, 
Yet  was  the  fort  so  strong  it  was  not  entered. 

The  dame  who  thought  that  one  blink  of  her  eye 
Could  make  the  chastest  heart  feel  love's  sweet  pain, 
Oh,  how  her  pride  abated  was  hereby ! 
When  all  her  sleights  were  void,  her  crafts  were  vain, 
Some  other  where  she  would  her  forces  try, 
Where  at  more  ease  she  might  more  vantage  gain, 
As  tired  soldiers  whom  some  fort  keeps  out, 
Thence  raise  their  siege,  and  spoil  the  towns  about. 

But  yet  all  ways  the  wily  witch  could  find 
Could  not  Tancredi's  heart  to  loveward  move, 
His  sails  were  filled  with  another  wind, 
He  list  no  blast  of  new  affection  prove  ; 
For,  as  one  poison  doth  exclude  by  kind 
Another's  force,  so  love  excludeth  love : 

These  two  alone  nor  more  nor  less  the  dame 
Could  win,  the  rest  all  burnt  in  her  sweet  flame. 

The  princess,  though  her  purpose  would  not  frame, 
As  late  she  hoped,  and  as  still  she  would, 
Yet,  for  the  lords  and  knights  of  greatest  name 
Became  her  prey,  as  erst  you  heard  it  told, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  99 

She  thought,  ere  truth-revealing  time  or  fame 
Bewrayed  her  act,  to  lead  them  to  some  hold, 

Where  chains  and  bands  she  meant  to  make  them  prove, 

Composed  by  Vulcan  not  by  gentle  love. 

The  time  prefixed  at  length  was  come  and  past, 

Which  Godfrey  had  set  down  to  lend  her  aid, 

When  at  his  feet  herself  to  earth  she  cast, 

"  The  hour  is  come,  my  Lord,"  she  humbly  said, 

"  And  if  the  tyrant  haply  hear  at  last, 

His  banished  niece  hath  your  assistance  prayed, 

He  will  in  arms  to  save  his  kingdom  rise, 

So  shall  we  harder  make  this  enterprise. 

"  Before  report  can  bring  the  tyrant  news, 
Or  his  espials  certify  their  king, 
Oh  let  thy  goodness  these  few  champions  choose, 
That  to  her  kingdom  should  thy  handmaid  bring; 
Who,  except  Heaven  to  aid  the  right  refuse, 
Recover  shall  her  crown,  from  whence  shall  spring 
Thy  profit ;  for  betide  thee  peace  or  war, 
Thine  all  her  cities,  all  her  subjects  are." 

The  captain  sage  the  damsel  fair  assured, 
His  word  was  passed  and  should  not  be  recanted, 
And  she  with  sweet  and  humble  grace  endured 
To  let  him  point  those  ten,  which  late  he  granted : 
But  to  be  one,  each  one  fought  and  procured, 
No  suit,  no  entreaty,  intercession  wanted ; 
There  envy  each  at  others'  love  exceeded, 
And  all  importunate  made,  more  than  needed. 

She  that  well  saw  the  secret  of  their  hearts, 
And  knew  how  best  to  warm  them  in  their  blood, 
Against  them  threw  the  cursed  poisoned  darts 
Of  jealousy,  and  grief  at  others'  good, 
For  love  she  wist  was  weak  without  those  arts, 
And  slow ;  for  jealousy  is  Cupid's  food ; 
For  the  swift  steed  runs  not  so  fast  alone, 

As  when  some  strain,  some  strive  him  to  outgone. 

Classics.     Vol.    35 — F 


loo  TASSO 

Her  words  in  such  alluring  sort  she  framed, 

Her  looks  enticing,  and  her  wooing  smiles, 

That  every  one  his  fellows'  favors  blamed, 

That  of  their  mistress  he  received  erewhiles: 

This  foolish  crew  of  lovers  unashamed, 

Mad  with  the  poison  of  her  secret  wiles, 
Ran  forward  still,  in  this  disordered  sort, 
Nor  could  Godfredo's  bridle  rein  them  short. 

He  that  would  satisfy  each  good  desire, 
Withouten  partial  love,  of  every  knight, 
Although  he  swelled  with  shame,  with  grief  and  ire 
To  see  these  follies  and  these  fashions  light  ; 
Yet  since  by  no  advice  they  would  retire, 
Another  way  he  sought  to  set  them  right  : 

"  Write  all  your  names,"  quoth  he,  "  and  see  whom  chance 

Of  lot,  to  this  exploit  will  first  advance." 


£2- 


Their  names  were  writ,  and  in  an  helmet  shaken, 
While  each  did  fortune's  grace  and  aid  implore  ; 
At  last  they  drew  them,  and  the  foremost  taken 
The  Earl  of  Pembroke  was,  Artemidore, 
Doubtless  the  county  thought  his  bread  well  baken  ; 
Next  Gerrard  followed,  then  with  tresses  hoar 

Old  Wenceslaus,  that  felt  Cupid's  rage 

Now  in  his  doating  and  his  dying  age. 

Oh  how  contentment  in  their  foreheads  shined! 
Their  looks  with  joy  ;  thoughts  swelled  with  secret  pleasure, 
These  three  it  seemed  good  success  designed 
To  make  the  lords  of  love  and  beauty's  treasure  : 
Their  doubtful  fellows  at  their  hap  repined, 
And  with  small  patience  wait  Fortune's  leisure, 
Upon  his  lips  that  read  the  scrolls  attending, 
As  if  their  lives  were  on  his  words  depending. 

Guasco  the  fourth,  Ridolpho  him  succeeds, 
Then  Ulderick  whom  love  list  so  advance, 
Lord  William  of  Ronciglion  next  he  reads, 
Then  Eberard,  and  Henry  born  in  France, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  JOi 

Rambaldo  last,  whom  wicked  lust  so  leads 
That  he  forsook  his  Saviour  with  mischance ; 
This  wretch  the  tenth  was  who  was  thus  deluded, 
The  rest  to  their  huge  grief  were  all  excluded. 

O'ercome  with  envy,  wrath  and  jealousy, 
•The  rest  blind  Fortune  curse,  and  all  her  laws, 
And  mad  with  love,  yet  out  on  love  they  cry, 
That  in  his  kingdom  let  her  judge  their  cause: 
And  for  man's  mind  is  such,  that  oft  we  try 
Things  most  forbidden,  without  stay  or  pause, 

In  spite  of  fortune  purposed  many  a  knight 

To  follow  fair  Armida  when  'twas  night. 

To  follow  her,  by  night  or  else  by  day, 
And  in  her  quarrel  venture  life  and  limb. 
With  sighs  and  tears  she  gan  them  softly  pray 
To  keep  that  promise,  when  the  skies  were  dim, 
To  this  and  that  knight  did  she  plain  and  say, 
What  grief  she  felt  to  part  withouten  him : 

Meanwhile  the  ten  had  donned  their  armor  best, 

And  taken  leave  of  Godfrey  and  the  rest. 

The  duke  advised  them  every  one  apart, 
How  light,  how  trustless  was  the  Pagan's  faith, 
And  told  what  policy,  what  wit,  what  art, 
Avoids  deceit,  which  heedless  men  betray'th; 
His  speeches  pierce  their  ear,  but  not  their  heart, 
Love  calls  it  folly,  whatso  wisdom  saith: 

Thus  warned  he  leaves  them  to  their  wanton  guide, 
Who  parts  that  night ;  such  haste  had  she  to  ride. 

The  conqueress  departs,  and  with  her  led 
These  prisoners,  whom  love  would  captive  keep, 
The  hearts  of  those  she  left  behind  her  bled, 
With  point  of  sorrow's  arrow  pierced  deep. 
But  when  the  night  her  drowsy  mantle  spread, 
And  filled  the  earth  with  silence,  shade  and  sleep, 
In  secret  sort  then  each  forsook  his  tent, 
And  as  blind  Cupid  led  them  blind  they  went. 


a  TASSO 

Eustatio  first,  who  scantly  could  forbear, 
Till  friendly  night  might  hide  his  haste  and  shame, 
He  rode  in  post,  and  let  his  beast  him  bear 
As  his  blind  fancy  would  his  journey  frame, 
All  night  he  wandered  and  he  wist  not  where; 
But  with  the  morning  he  espied  the  dame, 
That  with  her  guard  up  from  a  village  rode 
Where  she  and  they  that  night  had  made  abode. 

Thither  he  galloped  fast,  and  drawing  near 
Rambaldo  knew  the  knight,  and  loudly  cried, 
"  Whence  comes  young  Eustace,  and  what  seeks  he  here  ?  '* 
"  I  come,"  quoth  he,  "  to  serve  the  Queen  Armide, 
If  she  accept  me,  would  we  all  were  there 
Where  my  good-will  and  faith  might  best  be  tried." 
"  Who,"  quoth  the  other,  "  choseth  thee  to  prove 
This  high  exploit  of  hers? "     He  answered,  "  Love/* 

"  Love  hath  Eustatio  chosen,  Fortune  thee, 
In  thy  conceit  which  is  the  best  election  ?  " 
"  Nay,  then,  these  shifts  are  vain,"  replied  he, 
"  These  titles  false  serve  thee  for  no  protection, 
Thou  canst  not  here  for  this  admitted  be 
Our  fellow-servant,  in  this  sweet  subjection." 
"  And  who,"  quoth  Eustace,  angry,  "  dares  deny 
My  fellowship  ?  "     Rambaldo  answered,  "  I." 

And  with  that  word  his  cutting  sword  he  drew, 
That  glittered  bright,  and  sparkled  flaming  fire; 
Upon  his  foe  the  other  champion  flew, 
With  equal  courage,  and  with  equal  ire. 
The  gentle  princess,  who  the  danger  knew, 
Between  them  stepped,  and  prayed  them  both  retire. 

"  Rambald,"  quoth  she,  "  why  should  you  grudge  or  plain. 

If  I  a  champion,  you  an  helper  gain  ? 

"  If  me  you  love,  why  wish  you  me  deprived 
In  so  great  need  of  such  a  puissant  knight  ? 
But  welcome  Eustace,  in  good  time  arrived, 
Defender  of  my  state,  my  life,  my  right. 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  103 

I  wish  my  hapless  self  no  longer  lived, 
When  I  esteem  such  good  assistance  light.'* 

Thus  talked  they  on,  and  travelled  on  their  way 

Their  fellowship  increasing  every  day. 

From  every  side  they  come,  yet  wist  there  none 

Of  others  coming  or  of  others'  mind, 

She  welcomes  all,  and  telleth  every  one, 

What  joy  her  thoughts  in  his  arrival  find. 

But  when  Duke  Godfrey  wist  his  knights  were  gone, 

Within  his  breast  his  wiser  soul  divined 

Some  hard  mishap  upon  his  friends  should  light, 
For  which  he  sighed  all  day,  and  wept  all  night. 

'A  messenger,  while  thus  he  mused,  drew  near, 
All  soiled  with  dust  and  sweat,  quite  out  of  breath, 
It  seemed  the  man  did  heavy  tidings  bear, 
Upon  his  looks  sate  news  of  loss  and  death : 
"  My  lord,"  quoth  he,  "  so  many  ships  appear 
At  sea,  that  Neptune  bears  the  load  uneath, 
From  Egypt  come  they  all,  this  lets  thee  weet 
William  Lord  Admiral  of  the  Genoa  fleet, 

"  Besides  a  convoy  coming  from  the  shore 

With  victual  for  this  noble  camp  of  thine 

Surprised  was,  and  lost  is  all  that  store, 

Mules,  horses,  camels  laden,  corn  and  wine; 

Thy  servants  fought  till  they  could  fight  no  more, 

For  all  were  slain  or  captives  made  in  fine : 
The  Arabian  outlaws  them  assailed  by  night, 
When  least  they  feared,  and  least  they  looked  for  fight. 

"  Their  frantic  boldness  doth  presume  so  far, 
That  many  Christians  have  they  falsely  slain, 
And  like  a  raging  flood  they  sparsed  are, 
And  overflow  each  country,  field  and  plain ; 
Send  therefore  some  strong  troops  of  men  of  war, 
To  force  them  hence,  and  drive  them  home  again, 
And  keep  the  ways  between  these  tents  of  thine 
And  those  broad  seas,  the  seas  of  Palestine." 


104  TASSO 

From  mouth  to  mouth  the  heavy  rumor  spread 
Of  these  misfortunes,  which  dispersed  wide 
Among  the  soldiers,  great  amazement  bred ; 
Famine  they  doubt,  and  new  come  foes  beside: 
The  duke,  that  saw  their  wonted  courage  fled, 
And  in  the  place  thereof  weak  fear  espied, 

With  merry  looks  these  cheerful  words  he  spake, 
To  make  them  heart  again  and  courage  take. 

"  You  champions  bold,  with  me  that  'scaped  have 
So  many  dangers,  and  such  hard  assays, 
Whom  still  your  God  did  keep,  defend  and  save 
In  all  your  battles,  combats,  fights  and  frays, 
You  that  subdued  the  Turks  and  Persians  brave, 
That  thirst  and  hunger  held  in  scorn  always, 

And  vanquished  hills,  and  seas,  with  heat  and  cold, 
Shall  vain  reports  appal  your  courage  bold  ? 

"  That  Lord  who  helped  you  out  at  every  need, 
When  aught  befell  this  glorious  camp  amiss, 
Shall  fortune  all  your  actions  well  to  speed, 
On  whom  his  mercy  large  extended  is ; 
Tofore  his  tomb,  when  conquering  hands  you  spreed, 
With  what  delight  will  you  remember  this? 
Be  strong  therefore,  and  keep  your  valors  high 
To  honor,  conquest,  fame  and  victory." 

Their  hopes  half  dead  and  courage  well-nigh  lost, 
Revived  with  these  brave  speeches  of  their  guide ; 
But  in  his  breast  a  thousand  cares  he  tost, 
Although  his  sorrows  he  could  wisely  hide ; 
He  studied  how  to  feed  that  mighty  host, 
In  so  great  scarceness,  and  what  force  provide 
He  should  against  the  Egyptian  warriors  sly, 
And  how  subdue  those  thieves  of  Araby. 


SIXTH   BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 

Argantes  calls  the  Christians  out  to  just: 
Otho  not  chosen  doth  his  strength  assay, 
But  from  his  saddle  tumbleth  in  the  dust, 
And  captive  to  the  town  is  sent  away: 
Tancred  begins  new  fight,  and  when  both  trust 
To  win  the  praise  and  palm,  night  ends  the  fray: 
Erminia  hopes  to  cure  her  wounded  knight, 
And  from  the  city  armed  rides  by  night. 

BUT  better  hopes  had  them  recomforted 
That  lay  besieged  in  the  sacred  town ; 
With  new  supply  late  were  they  victualled, 
When  night  obscured  the  earth  with  shadows  brown ; 
Their  armies  and  engines  on  the  walls  they  spread, 
Their  slings  to  cast,  and  stones  to  tumble  down ; 
And  all  that  side  which  to  the  northward  lies, 
High  rampiers  and  strong  bulwarks  fortifies. 

Their  wary  king  commands  now  here  now  there, 
To  build  this  tower,  to  make  that  bulwark  strong, 
Whether  the  sun,  the  moon,  or  stars  appear, 
To  give  them  time  to  work,  no  time  comes  wrong : 
In  every  street  new  weapons  forged  were, 
By  cunning  smiths,  sweating  with  labor  long ; 
While  thus  the  careful  prince  provision  made, 
To  him  Argantes  came,  and  boasting  said : 

"  How  long  shall  we,  like  prisoners  in  chains, 

Captived  lie  inclosed  within  this  wall  ? 

I  see  your  workmen  taking  endless  pains 

To  make  new  weapons  for  no  use  at  all ; 

Meanwhile  these  eastern  thieves  destroy  the  plains, 

Your  towns  are  burnt,  your  forts  and  castles  fall, 
Yet  none  of  us  dares  at  these  gates  out-peep, 
Or  sound  one  trumpet  shrill  to  break  their  sleep. 
105 


106  TASSO 

"  Their  time  in  feasting  and  good  cheer  they  spend, 
Nor  dare  we  once  their  banquets  sweet  molest, 
The  days  and  nights  likewise  they  bring  to  end, 
In  peace,  assurance,  quiet,  ease  and  rest ; 
But  we  must  yield  whom  hunger  soon  will  shend, 
And  make  for  peace,  to  save  our  lives,  request, 
Else,  if  th'  Egyptian  army  stay  too  long, 
Like  cowards  die  within  this  fortress  strong. 

"  Yet  never  shall  my  courage  great  consent 
So  vile  a  death  should  end  my  noble  days, 
Nor  on  mine  arms  within  these  walls  ypent 
To-morrow's  sun  shall  spread  his  timely  rays : 
Let  sacred  Heavens  dispose  as  they  are  bent 
Of  this  frail  life,  yet  not  withouten  praise 

Of  valor,  prowess,  might,  Argantes  shall 

Inglorious  die,  or  unrevenged  fall. 

"  But  if  the  roots  of  wonted  chivalry 
Be  not  quite  dead  your  princely  breast  within, 
Devise  not  how  with  fame  and  praise  to  die, 
But  how  to  live,  to  conquer  and  to  win ; 
Let  us  together  at  these  gates  outfly, 
And  skirmish  bold  and  bloody  fight  begin ; 
For  when  last  need  to  desperation  driveth, 
Who  dareth  most  he  wisest  counsel  giveth. 

"  But  if  in  field  your  wisdom  dare  not  venture 
To  hazard  all  your  troops  to  doubtful  fight, 
Then  bind  yourself  to  Godfrey  by  indenture, 
To  end  your  quarrels  by  one  single  knight : 
And  for  the  Christian  this  accord  shall  enter 
With  better  will,  say  such  you  know  your  right 
That  he  the  weapons,  place  and  time  shall  choose, 
And  let  him  for  his  best,  that  vantage  use. 

"  For  though  your  foe  had  hands,  like  Hector  strong, 
With  heart  unfeared,  and  courage  stern  and  stout, 
Yet  no  misfortune  can  your  justice  wrong, 
And  what  that  wanteth,  shall  this  arm  help  out, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  107 

In  spite  of  fate  shall  this  right  hand  ere  long, 

Return  victorious :  if  hereof  you  doubt, 
Take  it  for  pledge,  wherein  if  trust  you  have, 
It  shall  yourself  defend  and  kingdom  save." 

"  Bold  youth,"  the  tyrant  thus  began  to  speak, 
"  Although  I  withered  seem  with  age  and  years, 
Yet  are  not  these  old  arms  so  faint  and  weak, 
Nor  this  hoar  head  so  full  of  doubts  and  fears 
But  whenas  death  this  vital  thread  shall  break, 
He  shall  my  courage  hear,  my  death  who  hears : 
And  Aladine  that  lived  a  king  and  knight, 
To  his  fair  morn  will  have  an  evening  bright. 

"  But  that  which  yet  I  would  have  further  blazed, 

To  thee  in  secret  shall  be  told  and  spoken, 

Great  Soliman  of  Nice,  so  far  ypraised, 

To  be  revenged  for  his  sceptre  broken, 

The  men  of  arms  of  Araby  hath  raised, 

From  Inde  to  Africk,  and,  when  we  give  token, 

Attends  the  favor  of  the  friendly  night 

To  victual  us,  and  with  our  foes  to  fight. 

"  Now  though  Godfredo  hold  by  warlike  feat 
Some  castles  poor  and  forts  in  vile  oppression, 
Care  not  for  that ;  for  still  our  princely  seat, 
This  stately  town,  we  keep  in  our  possession, 
But  thou  appease  and  calm  that  courage  great, 
Which  in  thy  bosom  makes  so  hot  impression ; 
And  stay  fit  time,  which  will  betide  are  long, 
To  increase  thy  glory,  and  revenge  our  wrong." 

The  Saracen  at  this  was  inly  spited, 
Who  Soliman's  great  worth  had  long  envied, 
To  hear  him  praised  thus  he  naught  delighted, 
Nor  that  the  king  upon  his  aid  relied : 
"  Within  your  power,  sir  king,"  he  says,  "  united 
Are  peace  and  war,  nor  shall  that  be  denied ; 
But  for  the  Turk  and  his  Arabian  band, 
He  lost  his  own,  shall  he  defend  your  land  ? 


io8  TASSO 

"  Perchance  he  comes  some  heavenly  messenger, 
Sent  down  to  set  the  Pagan  people  free, 
Then  let  Argantes  for  himself  take  care, 
This  sword,  I  trust,  shall  well  safe-conduct  me: 
But  while  you  rest  and  all  your  forces  spare, 
That  I  go  forth  to  war  at  least  agree; 

Though  not  your  champion,  yet  a  private  knight, 
I  will  some  Christian  prove  in  single  fight." 

The  king  replied,  "  Though  thy  force  and  might 
Should  be  reserved  to  better  time  and  use; 
Yet  that  thou  challenge  some  renowned  knight, 
Among  the  Christians  bold  I  not  refuse." 
The  warrior  breathing  out  desire  of  fight, 
An  herald  called,  and  said,  "  Go  tell  these  news 
To  Godfrey's  self,  and  to  the  western  lords, 
And  in  their  hearings  boldly  say  these  words : 

"  Say  that  a  knight,  who  holds  in  great  disdain 
To  be  thus  closed  up  in  secret  mew, 
Will  with  his  sword  in  open  field  maintain, 
If  any  dare  deny  his  words  for  true, 
That  no  devotion,  as  they  falsely  feign, 
Hath  moved  the  French  these  countries  to  subdue; 
But  vile  ambition,  and  pride's  hateful  vice, 
Desire  of  rule,  and  spoil,  and  covetice. 

"  And  that  to  fight  I  am  not  only  prest 
With  one  or  two  that  dare  defend  the  cause, 
But  come  the  fourth  or  fifth,  come  all  the  rest, 
Come  all  that  will,  and  all  that  weapon  draws, 
Let  him  that  yields  obey  the  victor's  hest, 
As  wills  the  lore  of  mighty  Mars  his  laws : " 
This  was  the  challenge  that  fierce  Pagan  sent, 
The  herald  donned  his  coat-of-arms,  and  went. 

And  when  the  man  before  the  presence  came 
Of  princely  Godfrey,  and  his  captains  bold : 
"  My  Lord,"  quoth  he,  "  may  I  withouten  blame 
Before  your  Grace,  my  message  brave  unfold  ?  " 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  109 

"  Thou  mayest,"  he  answered,  "  we  approve  the  same ; 
Withouten  fear,  be  thine  ambassage  told." 

"  Then,"  quoth  the  herald,  "  shall  your  highness  see, 

If  this  ambassage  sharp  or  pleasing  be." 

The  challenge  gan  he  then  at  large  expose, 

With  mighty  threats,  high  terms  and  glorious  words; 

On  every  side  an  angry  murmur  rose, 

To  wrath  so  moved  were  the  knights  and  lords. 

Then  Godfrey  spake,  and  said,  "  The  man  hath  chose 

An  hard  exploit,  but  when  he  feels  our  swords, 

I  trust  we  shall  so  far  entreat  the  knight, 

As  to  excuse  the  fourth  or  fifth  of  fight. 

"  But  let  him  come  and  prove,  the  field  I  grant, 
Nor  wrong  nor  treason  let  him  doubt  or  fear, 
Some  here  shall  pay  him  for  his  glorious  vaunt, 
Without  or  guile,  or  vantage,  that  I  swear. 
The  herald  turned  when  he  had  ended  scant, 
And  hasted  back  the  way  he  came  whileare, 

Nor  stayed  he  aught,  nor  once  forslowed  his  pace, 

Till  he  bespake  Argantes  face  to  face. 

"  Arm  you,  my  lord,"  he  said,  "  your  bold  defies 
By  your  brave  foes  accepted  boldly  been, 
This  combat  neither  high  nor  low  denies, 
Ten  thousand  wish  to  meet  you  on  the  green ; 
A  thousand  frowned  with  angry  flaming  eyes, 
And  shaked  for  rage  their  swords  and  weapons  keen; 
The  field  is  safely  granted  by  their  guide," 
This  said,  the  champion  for  his  armor  cried. 

While  he  was  armed,  his  heart  for  ire  nigh  brake, 
So  yearned  his  courage  hot  his  foes  to  find: 
The  King  to  fair  Clorinda  present  spake ; 
"  If  he  go  forth,  remain  not  you  behind, 
But  of  our  soldiers  best  a  thousand  take, 
To  guard  his  person  and  your  own  assigned; 
Yet  let  him  meet  alone  the  Christian  knight, 
And  stand  yourself  aloof,  while  they  two  fight." 


no  TASSO 

Thus  spake  the  King,  and  soon  without  abode 
The  troop  went  forth  in  shining  armor  clad, 
Before  the  rest  the  Pagan  champion  rode, 
His  wonted  arms  and  ensigns  all  he  had : 
A  goodly  plain  displayed  wide  and  broad, 
Between  the  city  and  the  camp  was  spread, 
A  place  like  that  wherein  proud  Rome  beheld 
The  forward  young  men  manage  spear  and  shield. 

There  all  alone  Argantes  took  his  stand, 
Defying  Christ  and  all  his  servants  true, 
In  stature,  stomach,  and  in  strength  of  hand, 
In  pride,  presumption,  and  in  dreadful  show, 
Encelade  like,  on  the  Phlegrean  strand, 
Or  that  huge  giant  Jesse's  infant  slew ; 

But  his  fierce  semblant  they  esteemed  light, 
For  most  not  knew,  or  else  not  feared  his  might. 

As  yet  not  one  had  Godfrey  singled  out 

To  undertake  this  hardy  enterprise, 

But  on  Prince  Tancred  saw  he  all  the  rout 

Had  fixed  their  wishes,  and  had  cast  their  eyes, 

On  him  he  spied  them  gazing  round  about, 

As  though  their  honor  on  his  prowess  lies, 

And  now  they  whispered  louder  what  they  meant, 
Which  Godfrey  heard  and  saw,  and  was  content. 

The  rest  gave  place ;  for  every  one  descried 
To  whom  their  chieftain's  will  did  most  incline, 
"  Tancred,"  quoth  he,  "  I  pray  thee  calm  the  pride, 
Abate  the  rage  of  yonder  Saracine :  " 
No  longer  would  the  chosen  champion  bide, 
His  face  with  joy,  his  eyes  with  gladness  shine, 
His  helm  he  took,  and  ready  steed  bestrode, 
And  guarded  with  his  trusty  friends  forth  rode. 

But  scantly  had  he  spurred  his  courser  swift 
Near  to  the  plain,  where  proud  Argantes  stayed, 
When  unawares  his  eyes  he  chanced  to  lift, 
And  on  the  hill  beheld  the  warlike  maid, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

As  white  as  snow  upon  the  Alpine  clift 

The  virgin  shone  in  silver  arms  arrayed, 
Her  vental  up  so  high,  that  he  descried 
Her  goodly  visage,  and  her  beauty's  pride. 

He  saw  not  where  the  Pagan  stood,  and  stared, 
As  if  with  looks  he  would  his  foeman  kill, 
But  full  of  other  thoughts  he  forward  fared, 
And  sent  his  looks  before  him  up  the  hill, 
His  gesture  such  his  troubled  soul  declared, 
At  last  as  marble  rock  he  standeth  still, 

Stone  cold  without ;  within,  burnt  with  love's  flame, 
And  quite  forgot  himself,  and  why  he  came. 

The  challenger,  that  yet  saw  none  appear 
That  made  or  sign  or  show  he  came  to  just, 
"  How  long,"  cried  he,  "  shall  I  attend  you  here  ? 
Dares  none  come  forth  ?  dares  none  his  fortune  trust  ?  " 
The  other  stood  amazed,  love  stopped  his  ear, 
He  thinks  on  Cupid,  think  of  Mars  who  lust; 
But  forth  stert  Otho  bold,  and  took  the  field, 
A  gentle  knight  whom  God  from  danger  shield. 

This  youth  was  one  of  those,  who  late  desired 
With  that  vain-glorious  boaster  to  have  fought, 
But  Tancred  chosen,  he  and  all  retired : 
Yet  to  the  field  the  valiant  Prince  they  brought, 
Now  when  his  slackness  he  awhile  admired, 
And  saw  elsewhere  employed  was  his  thought, 

Nor  that  to  just,  though  chosen,  once  he  proffered, 
He  boldly  took  that  fit  occasion  offered. 

No  tiger,  panther,  spotted  leopard, 
Runs  half  so  swift,  the  forests  wild  among, 
As  this  young  champion  hasted  thitherward, 
Where  he  attending  saw  the  Pagan  strong: 
Tancredi  started  with  the  noise  he  heard, 
As  waked  from  sleep,  where  he  had  dreamed  long, 
"  Oh  stay,"  he  cried,  "  to  me  belongs  this  war !  " 
But  cried  too  late,  Otho  was  gone  too  far. 


112 


TASSO 

Then  full  of  fury,  anger  and  despite, 
He  stayed  his  horse,  and  waxed  red  for  shame, 
The  fight  was  his,  but  now  disgraced  quite 
Himself  he  thought,  another  played  his  game; 
Meanwhile  the  Saracen  did  hugely  smite 
On  Otho's  helm,  who  to  requite  the  same, 

His  foe  quite  through  his  sevenfold  targe  did  bear, 
And  in  his  breastplate  stuck  and  broke  his  spear. 

The  encounter  such,  upon  the  tender  grass, 
Down  from  his  steed  the  Christian  backward  fell; 
Yet  his  proud  foe  so  strong  and  sturdy  was, 
That  he  nor  shook,  nor  staggered  in  his  sell, 
But  to  the  knight  that  lay  full  low,  alas, 
In  high  disdain  his  will  thus  gan  he  tell, 

"  Yield  thee  my  slave,  and  this  thine  honor  be, 
Thou  may'st  report  thou  hast  encountered  me." 

"  Not  so,"  quoth  he,  "  pardy  it's  not  the  guise 

Of  Christian  knights,  though  fall'n,  so  soon  to  yield ; 

I  can  my  fall  excuse  in  better  wise, 

And  will  revenge  this  shame,  or  die  in  field." 

The  great  Circassian  bent  his  frowning  eyes, 

Like  that  grim  visage  in  Minerva's  shield, 

"  Then  learn,"  quoth  he,  "  what  force  Argantes  useth 
Against  that  fool  that  proffered  grace  refuseth." 

With  that  he  spurred  his  horse  with  speed  and  haste, 
Forgetting  what  good  knights  to  virtue  owe, 
Otho  his  fury  shunned,  and,  as  he  passed, 
At  his  right  side  he  reached  a  noble  blow, 
Wide  was  the  wound,  the  blood  outstreamed  fast, 
And  from  his  side  fell  to  his  stirrup  low : 
But  what  avails  to  hurt,  if  wounds  augment 
Our  foe's  fierce  courage,  strength  and  hardiment? 

Argantes  nimbly  turned  his  ready  steed, 
And  ere  his  foe  was  wist  or  well  aware, 
Against  his  side  he  drove  his  courser's  head, 
What  force  could  he  gainst  so  great  might  prepare? 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  u3 

Weak  were  his  feeble  joints,  his  courage  dead, 
His  heart  amazed,  his  paleness  showed  his  care, 
His  tender  side  gainst  the  hard  earth  he  cast, 
Shamed,  with  the  first  fall ;  bruised,  with  the  last 

The  victor  spurred  again  his  light-foot  steed, 
And  made  his  passage  over  Otho's  heart, 
And  cried,  "  These  fools  thus  under  foot  I  tread,  , 
That  dare  contend  with  me  in  equal  mart." 
Tancred  for  anger  shook  his  noble  head, 
So  was  he  grieved  with  that  unknightly  part; 
The  fault  was  his,  he  was  so  slow  before, 
With  double  valor  would  he  salve  that  sore. 

Forward  he  galloped  fast,  and  loudly  cried: 
"  Villain,"  quoth  he,  "  thy  conquest  is  thy  shame, 
What  praise?  what  honor  shall  this  fact  betide? 
What  gain  ?  what  guerdon  shall  befall  the  same  ? 
Among  the  Arabian  thieves  thy  face  go  hide, 
Far  from  resort  of  men  of  worth  and  fame, 
Or  else  in  woods  and  mountains  wild,  by  night, 
On  savage  beasts  employ  thy  savage  might." 

The  Pagan  patience  never  knew,  nor  used, 
Trembling  for  ire,  his  sandy  locks  he  tore, 
Out  from  his  lips  flew  such  a  sound  confused, 
As  lions  make  in  deserts  thick,  which  roar; 
Or  as  when  clouds  together  crushed  and  bruised, 
Pour  down  a  tempest  by  the  Caspian  shore; 

So  was  his  speech  imperfect,  stopped,  and  broken, 

He  roared  and  thundered  when  he  should  have  spoken. 

But  when  with  threats  they  both  had  whetted  keen 
Their  eager  rage,  their  fury,  spite  and  ire, 
They  turned  their  steeds  and  left  large  space  between 
To  make  their  forces  greater,  'preaching  nigher, 
With  terms  that  warlike  and  that  worthy  been : 
O  sacred  Muse,  my  haughty  thoughts  inspire, 

And  make  a  trumpet  of  my  slender  quill 

rTo  thunder  out  this  furious  combat  shrill. 


U4  TASSO 

These  sons  of  Mavors  bore,  instead  of  spears, 
Two  knotty  masts,  which  none  but  they  could  lift, 
Each  foaming  steed  so  fast  his  master  bears, 
That  never  beast,  bird,  shaft  flew  half  so  swift ; 
Such  was  their  fury,  as  when  Boreas  tears 
The  shattered  crags  from  Taurus'  northern  clift, 
Upon  their  helms  their  lances  long  they  broke, 

And  up  to  heaven  flew  splinters,  spark  and  smoke. 

/ 

The  shock  made  all  the  towers  and  turrets  quake, 
And  woods  and  mountains  all  nigh  hand  resound ; 
Yet  could  not  all  that  force  and  fury  shake 
The  valiant  champions,  nor  their  persons  wound ; 
Together  hurtled  both  their  steeds,  and  brake 
Each  other's  neck,  the  riders  lay  on  ground : 
But  they,  great  masters  of  war's  dreadful  art, 
Plucked  forth  their  swords  and  soon  from  earth  up  start. 

Close  at  his  surest  ward  each  warrior  lieth, 
He  wisely  guides  his  hand,  his  foot,  his  eye, 
This  blow  he  proveth,  that  defence  he  trieth, 
He  traverseth,  retireth,  presseth  nigh,  / 
Now  strikes  he  out,  and  now  he  falsifieth,  ' 
This  blow  he  wardeth,  that  he  lets  slip  by, 

And  for  advantage  oft  he  lets  some  part 

Discovered  seem ;  thus  art  deludeth  art. 

The  Pagan  ill  defenced  with  sword  or  targe, 
Tancredi's  thigh,  as  he  supposed,  espied 
And  reaching  forth  'gainst  it  his  weapon  large, 
Quite  naked  to  his  foe  leaves  his  left-side ; 
Tancred  avoideth  quick  his  furious  charge, 
And  gave  him  eke  a  wound  deep,  sore  and  wide ; 
That  done,  himself  safe  to  his  ward  retired, 
His  courage  praised  by  all,  his  skill  admired. 

The  proud  Circassian  saw  his  streaming  blood, 
Down  from  his  wound,  as  from  a  fountain,  running, 
He  sighed  for  rage,  and  trembled  as  he  stood, 
He  blamed  his  fortune,  folly,  want  of  cunning; 


JERUSALEM  DELIVERED  XI5 

He  lift  his  sword  aloft,  for  ire  nigh  wood, 
And  forward  rushed :  Tancred  his  fury  shunning, 
With  a  sharp  thrust  once  more  the  Pagan  hit, 
To  his  broad  shoulder  where  his  arm  is  knit. 

Like  as  a  bear  through  pierced  with  a  dart 
Within  the  secret  woods,  no  further  flieth, 
But  bites  the  senseless  weapon  mad  with  smart, 
Seeking  revenge  till  unrevenged  she  dieth ; 
So  mad  Argantes  fared,  when  his  proud  heart 
Wound  upon  wound,  and  shame  on  shame  espieth, 

Desire  of  vengeance  so  o'ercame  his  senses, 

That  he  forgot  all  dangers,  all  defences. 

Uniting  force  extreme,  with  endless  wrath, 
Supporting  both  with  youth  and  strength  untired, 
His  thundering  blows  so  fast  about  he  layeth, 
That  skies  and  earth  the  flying  sparkles  fired ; 
His  foe  to  strike  one  blow  no  leisure  hath, 
Scantly  he  breathed,  though  he  oft  desired, 
His  warlike  skill  and  cunning  all  was  waste, 
Such  was  Argantes'  force,  and  such  his  haste. 

Long  time  Tancredi  had  in  vain  attended 
When  this  huge  storm  should  overblow  and  pass, 
Some  blows  his  mighty  target  well  defended, 
Some  fell  beside,  and  wounded  deep  the  grass ; 
But  when  he  saw  the  tempest  never  ended, 
Nor  that  the  Paynim's  force  aught  weaker  was, 
He  high  advanced  his  cutting  sword  at  length, 
And  rage  to  rage  opposed,  and  strength  to  strength. 

Wrath  bore  the  sway,  both  art  and  reason  fail, 

Fury  new  force,  and  courage  new  supplies, 

Their  armors  forged  were  of  metal  frail, 

On  every  side  thereof,  huge  cantels  flies, 

The  land  was  strewed  all  with  plate  and  mail. 

That,  on  the  earth ;  on  that,  their  warm  blood  lies. 
And  at  each  rush  and  every  blow  they  smote 
Thunder  the  noise,  the  sparks,  seemed  lightning  hot, 


TASSO 

The  Christian  people  and  the  Pagans  gazed, 
On  this  fierce  combat  wishing  oft  the  end, 
'Twixt  hope  and  fear  they  stood  long  time  amazed, 
To  see  the  knights  assail,  and  eke  defend ; 
Yet  neither  sign  they  made,  nor  noise  they  raised, 
But  for  the  issue  of  the  fight  attend, 

And  stood  as  still,  as  life  and  sense  they  wanted, 
Save  that  their  hearts  within  their  bosoms  panted. 

Now  were  they  tired  both,  and  well-nigh  spent, 
Their  blows  show  greater  will  than  power  to  wound ; 
But  Night  her  gentle  daughter  Darkness,  sent, 
With  friendly  shade  to  overspread  the  ground, 
Two  heralds  to  the  fighting  champions  went, 
To  part  the  fray,  as  laws  of  arms  them  bound 
Aridens  born  in  France,  and  wise  Pindore, 
The  man  that  brought  the  challenge  proud  before. 

These  men  their  sceptres  interpose,  between 
The  doubtful  hazards  of  uncertain  fight; 
For  such  their  privilege  hath  ever  been, 
The  law  of  nations  doth  defend  their  right ; 
Pindore  began,  "  Stay,  stay,  you  warriors  keen, 
Equal  your  honor,  equal  is  your  might ; 
Forbear  this  combat,  so  we  deem  it  best, 
Give  night  her  due,  and  grant  your  persons  rest. 

"  Man  goeth  forth  to  labor  with  the  sun, 
But  with  the  night,  all  creatures  draw  to  sleep, 
Nor  yet  of  hidden  praise  in  darkness  won 
The  valiant  heart  of  noble  knight  takes  keep :  " 
Argantes  answered  him,  "  The  fight  begun 
Now  to  forbear,  doth  wound  my  heart  right  deep: 
Yet  will  I  stay,  so  that  this  Christian  swear, 
Before  you  both,  again  to  meet  me  here." 

"  I  swear,"  quoth  Tancred,  "  but  swear  thou  likewise 
To  make  return  thy  prisoner  eke  with  thee ; 
Else  for  achievement  of  this  enterprise, 
None  other  time  but  this  expect  of  me ; " 


I 

JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

Thus  swore  they  both ;  the  heralds  both  devise, 
What  time  for  this  exploit  should  fittest  be : 
And  for  their  wounds  of  rest  and  cure  had  need, 
To  meet  again  the  sixth  day  was  decreed. 

This  fight  was  deep  imprinted  in  their  hearts 
That  saw  this  bloody  fray  to  ending  brought, 
An  horror  great  possessed  their  weaker  parts, 
Which  made  them  shrink  who  on  their  combat  thought : 
Much  speech  was  of  the  praise  and  high  desarts 
Of  these  brave  champions  that  so  nobly  fought ; 
But  which  for  knightly  worth  was  most  ypraised, 
Of  that  was  doubt  and  disputation  raised. 

All  long  to  see  them  end  this  doubtful  fray, 
And  as  they  favor,  so  they  wish  success, 
These  hope  true  virtue  shall  obtain  the  day, 
Those  trust  on  fury,  strength  and  hardiness ; 
But  on  Erminia  most  this  burden  lay, 
Whose  looks  her  trouble  and  her  fear  express; 
For  on  this  dangerous  combat's  doubtful  end 
Her  joy,  her  comfort,  hope  and  life  depend. 

Her  the  sole  daughter  of  that  hapless  king, 
That  of  proud  Antioch  late  wore  the  crown, 
The  Christian  soldiers  to  Tancredi  bring, 
When  they  had  sacked  and  spoiled  that  glorious  town ; 
But  he,  in  whom  all  good  and  virtue  spring, 
The  virgin's  honor  saved,  and  her  renown ; 
And  when  her  city  and  her  state  was  lost, 
Then  was  her  person  loved  and  honored  most. 

He  honored  her,  served  her,  and  leave  her  gave, 
And  willed  her  go  whither  and  when  she  list, 
Her  gold  and  jewels  had  he  care  to  save, 
And  them  restored  all,  she  nothing  missed, 
She,  that  beheld  this  youth  and  person  brave, 
When,  by  this  deed,  his  noble  mind  she  wist, 
Laid  ope  her  heart  for  Cupid's  shaft  to  hit, 
Who  never  knots  of  love  more  surer  knit. 


TASSO 

Her  body  free,  captived  was  her  heart, 
And  love  the  keys  did  of  that  prison  bear, 
Prepared  to  go,  it  was  a  death  to  part 
From  that  kind  Lord,  and  from  that  prison  dear, 
But  thou,  O  honor,  which  esteemed  art 
The  chiefest  virtue  noble  ladies  wear, 
Enforcest  her  against  her  will,  to  wend 
To  Aladine,  her  mother's  dearest  friend. 

At  Sion  was  this  princess  entertained, 
By  that  old  tyrant  and  her  mother  dear, 
Whose  loss  too  soon  the  woful  damsel  plained, 
Her  grief  was  such,  she  lived  not  half  the  year, 
Yet  banishment,  nor  loss  of  friends  constrained 
The  hapless  maid  her  passions  to  forbear, 

For  though  exceeding  were  her  woe  and  grief, 
Of  all  her  sorrows  yet  her  love  was  chief. 

The  silly  maid  in  secret  longing  pined, 

Her  hope  a  mote  drawn  up  by  Phoebus'  rays, 

Her  love  a  mountain  seemed,  whereon  bright  shined 

Fresh  memory  of  Tancred's  worth  and  praise, 

Within  her  closet  if  her  self  she  shrined, 

A  hotter  fire  her  tender  heart  assays : 

Tancred  at  last,  to  raise  her  hope  nigh  dead, 
Before  those  walls  did  his  broad  ensign  spread. 

The  rest  to  view  the  Christian  army  feared, 
Such  seemed  their  number,  such  their  power  and  might, 
But  she  alone  her  troubled  forehead  cleared, 
And  on  them  spread  her  beauty  shining  bright ; 
In  every  squadron  when  it  first  appeared, 
Her  curious  eye  sought  out  her  chosen  knight ; 
And  every  gallant  that  the  rest  excels, 
The  same  seems  him,  so  love  and  fancy  tells. 

Within  the  kingly  palace  builded  high, 
A  turret  standeth  near  the  city's  wall, 
From  which  Erminia  might  at  ease  descry 
The  western  host,  the  plains  and  mountains  all, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  n9 

And  there  she  stood  all  the  long  day  to  spy, 

From  Phoebus'  rising  to  his  e\- tning  fall, 

And  with  her  thoughts  disputed  of  his  praise, 
And  every  thought  a  scalding  sigh  did  raise. 

From  hence  the  furious  combat  she  surveyed, 

And  felt  her  heart  tremble  with  fear  and  pain, 

Her  secret  thoughts  thus  to  her  fancy  said, 

Behold  thy  dear  in  danger  to  be  slain ; 

So  with  suspect,  with  fear  and  grief  dismayed, 

Attended  she  her  darling's  loss  or  gain, 
And  ever  when  the  Pagan  lift  his  blade, 
The  stroke  a  wound  in  her  weak  bosom  made. 

But  when  she  saw  the  end,  and  wist  withal 

Their  strong  contention  should  eftsoons  begin, 

Amazement  strange  her  courage  did  appal, 

Her  vital  blood  was  icy  cold  within ; 

Sometimes  she  sighed,  sometimes  tears  let  fall, 

To  witness  what  distress  her  heart  was  in ; 
Hopeless,  dismayed,  pale,  sad,  astonished, 
Her  love,  her  fear ;  her  fear,  her  torment  bred. 

Her  idle  brain  unto  her  soul  presented 
Death  in  an  hundred  ugly  fashions  painted, 
And  if  she  slept,  then  was  her  grief  augmented, 
With  such  sad  visions  were  her  thoughts  acquainted; 
She  saw  her  lord  with  wounds  and  hurts  tormented, 
How  he  complained,  called  for  her  help,  and  fainted, 
And  found,  awaked  from  that  unquiet  sleeping, 
Her  heart  with  panting  sore ;  eyes,  red  with  weeping. 

Yet  these  presages  of  his  coming  ill 
Not  greatest  cause  of  her  discomfort  were, 
She  saw  his  blood  from  his  deep  wounds  distil, 
Nor  what  he  suffered  could  she  bide  or  bear: 
Besides,  report  her  longing  ear  did  fill, 
Doubling  his  danger,  doubling  so  her  fear, 
That  she  concludes,  so  was  her  courage  lost, 
Her  wounded  lord  was  weak,  faint,  dead  almost. 


lao  TASSO 

And  for  her  mother  had  her  taught  before 
The  secret  virtue  of  each  herb  that  springs, 
Besides  fit  charms  for  every  wound  or  sore 
Corruption  breedeth  or  misfortune  brings, — 
An  art  esteemed  in  those  times  of  yore, 
Beseeming  daughters  of  great  lords  and  kings- 
She  would  herself  be  surgeon  to  her  knight, 
And  heal  him  with  her  skill,  or  with  her  sight. 

Thus  would  she  cure  her  love,  and  cure  her  foe 
She  must,  that  had  her  friends  and  kinsfolk  slain : 
Some  cursed  weeds  her  cunning  hand  did  know, 
That  could  augment  his  harm,  increase  his  pain ; 
But  she  abhorred  to  be  revenged  so, 
No  treason  should  her  spotless  person  stain, 
And  virtueless  she  wished  all  herbs  and  charms 
Wherewith  false  men  increase  their  patients'  harms. 

Nor  feared  she  among  the  bands  to  stray 
Of  armed  men,  for  often  had  she  seen 
The  tragic  end  of  many  a  bloody  fray ; 
Her  life  had  full  of  haps  and  hazards  been, 
This  made  her  bold  in  every  hard  assay, 
More  than  her  feeble  sex  became,  I  ween ; 
She  feared  not  the  shake  of  every  reed, 
So  cowards  are  courageous  made  through  need. 

Love,  fearless,  hardy,  and  audacious  love, 
Emboldened  had  this  tender  damsel  so, 
That  where  wild  beasts  and  serpents  glide  and  move 
Through  Afric's  deserts  durst  she  ride  or  go, 
Save  that  her  honor,  she  esteemed  above 
Her  life  and  body's  safety,  told  her  no ; 
For  in  the  secret  of  her  troubled  thought, 
A  doubtful  combat,  love  and  honor  fought. 

"  O  spotless  virgin,"  Honor  thus  begun, 
"  That  my  true  lore  observed  firmly  hast, 
When  with  thy  foes  thou  didst  in  bondage  won, 
Remember  then  I  kept  thee  pure  and  chaste, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  121 

At  liberty  now,  where  wouldest  thou  run, 
To  lay  that  field  of  princely  virtue  waste, 

Or  lose  that  jewel  ladies  hold  so  dear? 

Is  maidenhood  so  great  a  load  to  bear? 

"  Or  deem'st  thou  it  a  praise  of  little  prize, 

The  glorious  title  of  a  virgin's  name  ? 

That  thou  will  gad  by  night  in  giglot  wise, 

Amid  thine  armed  foes,  to  seek  thy  shame. 

O  fool,  a  woman  conquers  when  she  flies, 

Refusal  kindleth,  proffers  quench  the  flame. 

Thy  lord  will  judge  thou  sinnest  beyond  measure, 
If  vainly  thus  thou  waste  so  rich  a  treasure." 

The  sly  deceiver  Cupid  thus  beguiled 

The  simple  damsel,  with  his  filed  tongue : 

"  Thou  wert  not  born,"  quoth  he,  "  in  desert  wild 

The  cruel  bears  and  savage  beasts  among, 

That  you  shouldst  scorn  fair  Citherea's  child, 

Or  hate  those  pleasures  that  to  youth  belong, 

Nor  did  the  gods  thy  heart  of  iron  frame ; 

To  be  in  love  is  neither  sin  nor  shame. 

"  Go  then,  go,  whither  sweet  desire  inviteth, 

How  can  thy  gentle  knight  so  cruel  be? 

Love  in  his  heart  thy  grief  and  sorrows  writeth, 

For  thy  laments  how  he  complaineth,  see. 

Oh  cruel  woman,  whom  no  care  exciteth 

To  save  his  life,  that  saved  and  honored  thee! 
He  languisheth,  one  foot  thou  wilt  not  move 
To  succor  him,  yet  say'st  thou  art  in  love. 

"  No,  no,  stay  here  Argantes'  wounds  to  cure, 
And  make  him  strong  to  shed  thy  darling's  blood, 
Of  such  reward  he  may  himself  assure, 
That  doth  a  thankless  woman  so  much  good: 
Ah,  may  it  be  thy  patience  can  endure 
To  see  the  strength  of  this  Circassian  wood, 
And  not  with  horror  and  amazement  shrink, 
When  on  their  future  fight  thou  hap'st  to  think  ? 


122  TASSO 

"  Besides  the  thanks  and  praises  for  the  deed, 
Suppose  what  joy,  what  comfort  shalt  thou  win, 
When  thy  soft  hand  doth  wholesome  plaisters  spreed, 
Upon  the  breaches  in  his  ivory  skin, 
Thence  to  thy  dearest  lord  may  health  succeed, 
Strength  to  his  limbs,  blood  to  his  cheeks  so  thin, 
And  his  rare  beauties,  now  half  dead  and  more, 
Thou  may'st  to  him,  him  to  thyself  restore. 

"  So  shall  some  part  of  his  adventures  bold 
And  valiant  acts  henceforth  be  held  as  thine ; 
His  dear  embracements  shall  thee  straight  enfold, 
Together  joined  in  marriage  rites  divine: 
Lastly  high  place  of  honor  shalt  thou  hold 
Among  the  matrons  sage  and  dames  Latine, 
In  Italy,  a  land,  as  each  one  tells, 
Where  valor  true,  and  true  religion  dwells." 

With  such  vain  hopes  the  silly  maid  abused, 
Promised  herself  mountains  and  hills  of  gold ; 
Yet  were  her  thoughts  with  doubts  and  fears  confused 
How  to  escape  unseen  out  of  that  hold, 
Because  the  watchman  every  minute  used 
To  guard  the  walls  against  the  Christians  bold, 
And  in  such  fury  and  such  heat  of  war, 
The  gates  or  seld  or  never  opened  are. 

With  strong  Clorinda  was  Erminia  sweet 
In  surest  links  of  dearest  friendship  bound, 
With  her  she  used  the  rising  sun  to  greet, 
And  her,  when  Phcebus  glided  under  ground, 
She  made  the  lovely  partner  of  her  sheet ; 
In  both  their  hearts  one  will,  one  thought  was  found ; 
Nor  aught  she  hid  from  that  virago  bold, 
Except  her  love,  that  tale  to  none  she  told. 

That  kept  she  secret,  if  Clorinda  heard 
Her  make  complaints,  or  secretly  lament, 
To  other  cause  her  sorrow  she  referred : 
Matter  enough  she  had  of  discontent, 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  183 

Like  as  the  bird  that  having  close  imbarred 
Her  tender  young  ones  in  the  springing  bent, 
To  draw  the  searcher  further  from  her  nest, 
Cries  and  complains  most  where  she  needeth  least. 

Alone,  within  her  chamber's  secret  part, 
Sitting  one  day  upon  her  heavy  thought, 
Devising  by  what  means,  what  sleight,  what  art, 
Her  close  departure  should  be  safest  wrought, 
Assembled  in  her  unresolved  heart 
An  hundred  passions  strove  and  ceaseless  fought ; 
At  last  she  saw  high  hanging  on  the  wall 
Clorinda's  silver  arms,  and  sighed  withal: 

And  sighing,  softly  to  herself  she  said, 
"  How  blessed  is  this  virgin  in  her  might? 
How  I  envy  the  glory  of  the  maid, 
Yet  envy  not  her  shape,  or  beauty's  light ; 
Her  steps  are  not  with  trailing  garments  stayed, 
Nor  chambers  hide  her  valor  shining  bright ; 
But  armed  she  rides,  and  breaketh  sword  and  spear, 
Nor  is  her  strength  restrained  by  shame  or  fear. 

"  Alas,  why  did  not  Heaven  these  members  frail 
With  lively  force  and  vigor  strengthen  so 
That  I  this  silken  gown  and  slender  veil 
Might  for  a  breastplate  and  an  helm  forego? 
Then  should  not  heat,  nor  cold,  nor  rain,  nor  hail, 
Nor  storms  that  fall,  nor  blustering  winds  that  blow 

Withhold  me,  but  I  would  both  day  and  night, 

In  pitched  field,  or  private  combat  fight. 

"  Nor  haddest  thou,  Argantes,  first  begun 
With  my  dear  lord  that  fierce  and  cruel  fight, 
But  I  to  that  encounter  would  have  run, 
And  haply  ta'en  him  captive  by  my  might; 
Yet  should  he  find,  our  furious  combat  done, 
His  thraldom  easy,  and  his  bondage  light ; 

For  fetters,  mine  embracements  should  he  prove ; 

For  diet,  kisses  sweet ;  for  keeper,  love. 

Calssics.     Vol.    36 — G 


TASSO 

"  Or  else  my  tender  bosom  opened  wide, 

And  heart  though  pierced  with  his  cruel  blade, 

The  bloody  weapon  in  my  wounded  side 

Might  cure  the  wound  which  love  before  had  made; 

Then  should  my  soul  in  rest  and  quiet  slide 

Down  to  the  valleys  of  the  Elysian  shade, 

And  my  mishap  the  knight  perchance  would  move, 
To  shed  some  tears  upon  his  murdered  love. 

*  Alas !  impossible  are  all  these  things, 
Such  wishes  vain  afflict  my  woful  sprite, 
Why  yield  I  thus  to  plaints  and  sorrowings, 
As  if  all  hope  and  help  were  perished  quite? 
My  heart  dares  much,  it  soars  with  Cupid's  wings, 
Why  use  I  not  for  once  these  armors  bright  ? 
I  may  sustain  awhile  this  shield  aloft, 
Though  I  be  tender,  feeble,  weak  and  soft. 

"  Love,  strong,  bold,  mighty  never-tired  love, 
Supplieth  force  to  all  his  servants  true; 
The  fearful  stags  he  doth  to  battle  move, 
Till  each  his  horns  in  others'  blood  imbrue ; 
Yet  mean  not  I  the  haps  of  war  to  prove, 
A  stratagem  I  have  devised  new, 

Clorinda-like  in  this  fair  harness  dight, 
I  will  escape  out  of  the  town  this  night. 

"  I  know  the  men  that  have  the  gate  to  ward, 
If  she  command  dare  not  her  will  deny, 
In  what  sort  else  could  I  beguile  the  guard? 
This  way  is  only  left,  this  will  I  try: 
O  gentle  love,  in  this  adventure  hard 
Thine  handmaid  guide,  assist  and  fortify ! 
The  time,  the  hour  now  fitteth  best  the  thing, 
While  stout  Clorinda  talketh  with  the  king." 

Resolved  thus,  without  delay  she  went, 

As  her  strong  passion  did  her  rashly  guide, 

And  those  bright  arms,  down  from  the  rafter  hent, 

JWithin  her  closet  did  she  closely  hide; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

That  might  she  do  unseen,  for  she  had  sent 
The  rest,  on  sleeveless  errands  from  her  side, 

And  night  her  stealths  brought  to  their  wished  end, 
Night,  patroness  of  thieves,  and  lovers'  friend. 

Some  sparkling  fires  on  heaven's  bright  visage  shone ; 

His  azure  robe  the  orient  blueness  lost, 

When  she,  whose  wit  and  reason  both  were  gone, 

Called  for  a  squire  she  loved  and  trusted  most, 

To  whom  and  to  a  maid,  a  faithful  one, 

Part  of  her  will  she  told,  how  that  in  post 

She  would  depart  from  Juda's  king,  and  feigned 
That  other  cause  her  sudden  flight  constrained. 

The  trusty  squire  provided  needments  meet, 
As  for  their  journey  fitting  most  should  be ; 
Meanwhile  her  vesture,  pendant  to  her  feet, 
Erminia  doft,  as  erst  determined  she, 
Stripped  to  her  petticoat  the  virgin  sweet 
So  slender  was,  that  wonder  was  to  see ; 
Her  handmaid  ready  at  her  mistress'  will, 
To  arm  her  helped,  though  simple  were  her  skill. 

The  rugged  steel  oppressed  and  offended 
Her  dainty  neck,  and  locks  of  shining  gold ; 
Her  tender  arm  so  feeble  was,  it  bended 
When  that  huge  target  it  presumed  to  hold, 
The  burnished  steel  bright  rays  far  off  extended, 
She  feigned  courage,  and  appeared  bold ; 
Fast  by  her  side  unseen  smiled  Venus'  son, 
As  erst  he  laughed  when  Alcides  spun. 

Oh,  with  what  labor  did  her  shoulders  bear 
That  heavy  burthen,  and  how  slow  she  went! 
Her  maid,  to  see  that  all  the  coasts  were  clear, 
Before  her  mistress,  through  the  streets  was  sent; 
Love  gave  her  courage,  love  exiled  fear, 
Love  to  her  tired  limbs  new  vigor  lent, 

Till  she  approached  where  the  squire  abode, 
There  took  they  horse  forthwith  and  forward  rode. 


126  TASSO 

Disguised  they  went,  and  by  unused  ways, 
And  secret  paths  they  strove  unseen  to  gone, 
Until  the  watch  they  meet,  which  sore  affrays 
Their  soldiers  new,  when  swords  and  weapons  shone ; 
Yet  none  to  stop  their  journey  once  essays, 
But  place  and  passage  yielded  every  one ; 
For  that  white  armor,  and  that  helmet  bright, 
Were  known  and  feared,  in  the  darkest  night. 

Erminia,  though  some  deal  she  were  dismayed, 
Yet  went  she  on,  and  goodly  countenance  bore, 
She  doubted  lest  her  purpose  were  bewrayed, 
Her  too  much  boldness  she  repented  sore ; 
But  now  the  gate  her  fear  and  passage  stayed, 
The  heedless  porter  she  beguiled  therefore, 
"  I  am  Clorinda,  ope  the  gate,"  she  cried, 
"  Where  as  the  king  commands,  thus  late  I  ride." 

Her  woman's  voice  and  terms  all  framed  been, 
Most  like  the  speeches  of  the  princess  stout, 
Who  would  have  thought  on  horseback  to  have  seen 
That  feeble  damsel  armed  round  about? 
The  porter  her  obeyed,  and  she,  between 
Her  trusty  squire  and  maiden,  sallied  out, 
And  through  the  secret  dales  they  silent  pass, 
Where  danger  least,  least  fear,  least  peril  was. 

But  when  these  fair  adventurers  entered  were 
Deep  in  a  vale,  Erminia  stayed  her  haste, 
To  be  recalled  she  had  no  cause  to  fear, 
This  foremost  hazard  had  she  trimly  past; 
But  dangers  new,  tofore  unseen,  appear, 
New  perils  she  descried,  new  doubts  she  cast. 
The  way  that  her  desire  to  quiet  brought, 
More  difficult  now  seemed  than  erst  she  thought. 

Armed  to  ride  among  her  angry  foes, 
She  now  perceived  it  were  great  oversight, 
Yet  would  she  not,  she  thought,  herself  disclose, 
Until  she  came  before  her  chosen  knight, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  137 

To  him  she  purposed  to  present  the  rose 
Pure,  spotless,  clean,  untouched  of  mortal  wight, 
She  stayed  therefore,  and  in  her  thoughts  more  wise, 
She  called  her  squire,  whom  thus  she  gan  advise. 

"  Thou  must,"  quoth  she,  "  be  mine  ambassador, 

Be  wise,  be  careful,  true,  and  diligent, 

Go  to  the  camp,  present  thyself  before 

The  Prince  Tancredi,  wounded  in  his  tent; 

Tell  him  thy  mistress  comes  to  cure  his  sore, 

If  he  to  grant  her  peace  and  rest  consent 

Gainst  whom  fierce  love  such  cruel  war  hath  raised, 
So  shall  his  wounds  be  cured,  her  torments  eased. 

"  And  say,  in  him  such  hope  and  trust  she  hath, 
That  in  his  powers  she  fears  no  shame  nor  scorn, 
Tell  him  thus  much,  and  whatso'er  he  saith, 
Unfold  no  more,  but  make  a  quick  return, 
I,  for  this  place  is  free  from  harm  and  scath, 
Within  this  valley  will  meanwhile  sojourn." 

Thus  spake  the  princess :  and  her  servant  true 

To  execute  the  charge  imposed,  flew ; 

And  was  received,  he  so  discreetly  wrought, 
First  of  the  watch  that  guarded  in  their  place, 
Before  the  wounded  prince  then  was  he  brought, 
Who  heard  his  message  kind,  with  gentle  grace, 
Which  told,  he  left  him  tossing  in  his  thought 
A  thousand  doubts,  and  turned  his  speedy  pace 
To  bring  his  lady  and  his  mistress  word, 
She  might  be  welcome  to  that  courteous  lord. 

But  she,  impatient,  to  whose  desire 
Grievous  and  harmful  seemed  each  little  stay, 
Recounts  his  steps,  and  thinks,  now  draws  he  nigher, 
Now  enters  in,  now  speaks,  now  comes  his  way ; 
And  that  which  grieved  her  most,  the  careful  squire 
Less  speedy  seemed  than  e'er  before  that  day ; 
Lastly  she  forward  rode  with  love  to  guide, 
Until  the  Christian  tents  at  hand  she  spied. 


128  TASSO 

Invested  in  her  starry  veil,  the  night 
In  her  kind  arms  embraced  all  this  round, 
The  silver  moon  from  sea  uprising  bright 
Spread  frosty  pearl  upon  the  candid  ground: 
And  Cynthia-like  for  beauty's  glorious  light 
The  love-sick  nymph  threw  glittering  beams  around, 
And  counsellors  of  her  old  love  she  made 
Those  valleys  dumb,  that  silence,  and  that  shade. 

Beholding  then  the  camp,  quoth  she,  "  O  fair 
And  castle-like  pavilions,  richly  wrought! 
From  you  how  sweet  methinketh  blows  the  air, 
How  comforts  it  my  heart,  my  soul,  my  thought  ? 
Through  heaven's  fair  face  from  gulf  of  sad  despair 
My  tossed  bark  to  port  well-nigh  is  brought: 
In  you  I  seek  redress  for  all  my  harms, 
Rest,  midst  your  weapons ;  peace,  amongst  your  arms. 

"  Receive  me,  then,  and  let  me  mercy  find, 
As  gentle  love  assureth  me  I  shall, 
Among  you  had  I  entertainment  kind 
When  first  I  was  the  Prince  Tancredi's  thrall : 
I  covet  not,  led  by  ambition  blind 
You  should  me  in  my  father's  throne  install, 
Might  I  but  serve  in  you  my  lord  so  dear, 
That  my  content,  my  joy,  my  comfort  were." 

Thus  parleyed  she,  poor  soul,  and  never  feared 
The  sudden  blow  of  Fortune's  cruel  spite, 
She  stood  where  Phoebe's  splendent  beam  appeared 
Upon  her  silver  armor  double  bright, 
The  place  about  her  round  she  shining  cleared 
With  that  pure  white  wherein  the  nymph  was  dight : 
The  tigress  great,  that  on  her  helmet  laid, 
Bore  witness  where  she  went,  and  where  she  stayed. 

So  as  her  fortune  would,  a  Christian  band 
Their  secret  ambush  there  had  closely  framed, 
Led  by  two  brothers  of  Italia  land, 
Young  Poliphern  and  Alicandro  named, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  129 

These  with  their  forces  watched  to  withstand 
Those  that  brought  victuals  to  their  foes  untamed, 
And  kept  that  passage ;  them  Erminia  spied, 
And  fled  as  fast  as  her  swift  steed  could  ride. 

But  Poliphern,  before  whose  watery  eyes, 
His  aged  father  strong  Clorinda  slew, 
When  that  bright  shield  and  silver  helm  he  spies, 
The  championess  he  thought  he  saw  and  knew; 
Upon  his  hidden  mates  for  aid  he  cries 
Gainst  his  supposed  foe,  and  forth  he  flew, 
As  he  was  rash,  and  heedless  in  his  wrath, 
Bending  his  lance,  "  Thou  art  but  dead,"  he  saith. 

As  when  a  chased  hind  her  course  doth  bend 

To  seek  by  soil  to  find  some  ease  or  good ; 

Whether  from  craggy  rock  the  spring  descend, 

Or  softly  glide  within  the  shady  wood ; 

If  there  the  dogs  she  meet,  where  late  she  wend 

To  comfort  her  weak  limbs  in  cooling  flood, 
Again  she  flies  swift  as  she  fled  at  first, 
Forgetting  weakness,  weariness  and  thirst. 

So  she,  that  thought  to  rest  her  weary  sprite, 
And  quench  the  endless  thirst  of  ardent  love 
With  dear  embracements  of  her  lord  and  knight, 
But  such  as  marriage  rites  should  first  approve, 
When  she  beheld  her  foe,  with  weapon  bright 
Threatening  her  death,  his  trusty  courser  move, 
Her  love,  her  lord,  herself  abandoned, 
She  spurred  her  speedy  steed,  and  swift  she  fled. 

Erminia  fled,  scantly  the  tender  grass 
Her  Pegasus  with  his  light  footsteps  bent, 
Her  maiden's  beast  for  speed  did  likewise  pass ; 
Yet  divers  ways,  such  was  their  fear,  they  went : 
The  squire  who  all  too  late  returned,  alas, 
With  tardy  news  from  Prince  Tancredi's  tent, 

Fled  likewise,  when  he  saw  his  mistress  gone, 

It  booted  not  to  sojourn  there  alone. 


1 30  TASSO 

But  Alicandro  wiser  than  the  rest, 
Who  this  supposed  Clorinda  saw  likewise, 
To  follow  her  yet  was  he  nothing  pressed, 
But  in  his  ambush  still  and  close  he  lies, 
A  messenger  to  Godfrey  he  addressed, 
That  should  him  of  this  accident  advise, 

How  that  his  brother  chased  with  naked  blade 

Clorinda's  self,  or  else  Clorinda's  shade. 

Yet  that  it  was,  or  that  it  could  be  she, 

He  had  small  cause  or  reason  to  suppose, 

Occasion  great  and  weighty  must  it  be 

Should  make  her  ride  by  night  among  her  foes: 

What  Godfrey  willed  that  observed  he, 

And  with  his  soldiers  lay  in  ambush  close: 

These  news  through  all  the  Christian  army  went, 

In  every  cabin  talked,  in  every  tent. 

Cancred,  whose  thoughts  the  squire  had  filled  with  doubl 
By  his  sweet  words,  supposed  now  hearing  this, 
Alas !  the  virgin  came  to  seek  me  out, 
And  for  my  sake  her  life  in  danger  is; 
Himself  forthwith  he  singled  from  the  rout, 
And  rode  in  haste,  though  half  his  arms  he  miss; 
Among  those  sandy  fields  and  valleys  green, 
To  seek  his  love,  he  galloped  fast  unseen. 


SEVENTH  BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 

fA  shepherd  fair  Erminia  entertains, 
Whom  whilst  Tancredi  seeks  in  vain  to  find, 
He  is  entrapped  in  Armida's  trains: 
Raymond  with  strong  Argantes  is  assigned 
To  fight,  an  angel  to  his  aid  he  gains: 
Satan  that  sees  the  Pagan's  fury  blind, 
And  hasty  wrath  turn  to  his  loss  and  harm, 
Doth  raise  new  tempest,  uproar  and  alarm. 

ERMINIA'S  steed  this  while  his  mistress  bore 
Through  forests  thick  among  the  shady  treen, 
Her  feeble  hand  the  bridle  reins  forlore, 
Half  in  a  swoon  she  was,  for  fear  I  ween ; 
But  her  fleet  courser  spared  ne'er  the  more, 
To  bear  her  through  the  desert  woods  unseen 

Of  her  strong  foes,  that  chased  her  through  the  plain, 
And  still  pursued,  but  still  pursued  in  vain. 

Like  as  the  weary  hounds  at  last  retire, 
Windless,  displeased,  from  the  fruitless  chase, 
When  the  sly  beast  tapished  in  bush  and  brier, 
No  art  nor  pains  can  rouse  out  of  his  place : 
The  Christian  knights  so  full  of  shame  and  ire 
Returned  back,  with  faint  and  weary  pace: 
Yet  still  the  fearful  dame  fled  swift  as  wind, 
Nor  ever  stayed,  nor  ever  looked  behind. 

Through  thick  and  thin,  all  night,  all  day,  she  drived, 

Withouten  comfort,  company,  or  guide, 

Her  plaints  and  tears  with  every  thought  revived, 

She  heard  and  saw  her  griefs,  but  naught  beside : 

But  when  the  sun  his  burning  chariot  dived 

In  Thetis'  wave,  and  weary  team  untied, 

On  Jordan's  sandy  banks  her  course  she  stayed 
At  last,  there  down  she  light,  and  down  she  laid. 


132  TASSO 

Her  tears,  her  drink ;  her  food,  her  sorrowings, 
This  was  her  diet  that  unhappy  night: 
But  sleep,  that  sweet  repose  and  quiet  brings, 
To  ease  the  griefs  of  discontented  wight, 
Spread  forth  his  tender,  soft,  and  nimble  wings, 
In  his  dull  arms  folding  the  virgin  bright ; 
And  Love,  his  mother,  and  the  Graces  kept 
Strong  watch  and  ward,  while  this  fair  lady  slept. 

The  birds  awoke  her  with  their  morning  song, 
Their  warbling  music  pierced  her  tender  ear, 
The  murmuring  brooks  and  whistling  winds  among 
The  rattling  boughs  and  leaves,  their  parts  did  bear ; 
Her  eyes  unclosed  beheld  the  groves  along 
Of  swains  and  shepherd  grooms  that  dwellings  were ; 
And  that  sweet  noise,  birds,  winds  and  waters  sent, 
Provoked  again  the  virgin  to  lament. 

Her  plaints  were  interrupted  with  a  sound, 
That  seemed  from  thickest  bushes  to  proceed, 
Some  jolly  shepherd  sung  a  lusty  round, 
And  to  his  voice  he  tuned  his  oaten  reed ; 
Thither  she  went,  an  old  man  there  she  found, 
At  whose  right  hand  his  little  flock  did  feed, 
Sat  making  baskets,  his  three  sons  among, 
That  learned  their  father's  art,  and  learned  his  song. 

Beholding  one  in  shining  arms  appear, 
The  silly  man  and  his  were  sore  dismayed ; 
But  sweet  Erminia  comforted  their  fear, 
Her  vental  up,  her  visage  open  laid, 
"  You  happy  folk,  of  heaven  beloved  dear, 
Work  on,"  quoth  she,  "  upon  your  harmless  trade, 
These  dreadful  arms  I  bear,  no  warfare  bring 
To  your  sweet  toil,  nor  those  sweet  tunes  you  sing. 

"  But,  father,  since  this  land,  these  towns  and  towers 
Destroyed  are  with  sword,  with  fire  and  spoil, 
How  may  it  be  unhurt  that  you  and  yours 
In  safety  thus  apply  your  harmless  toil  ?  " 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  133 

"  My  son,"  quoth  he,  "  this  poor  estate  of  ours 

Is  ever  safe  from  storm  of  warlike  broil ; 
This  wilderness  doth  us  in  safety  keep, 
No  thundering  drum,  no  trumpet  breaks  our  sleep. 

"  Haply  just  Heaven's  defence  and  shield  of  right 
Doth  love  the  innocence  of  simple  swains, 
The  thunderbolts  on  highest  mountains  light, 
And  seld  or  never  strike  the  lower  plains ; 
So  kings  have  cause  to  fear  Bellona's  might, 
Not  they  whose  sweat  and  toil  their  dinner  gains, 

Nor  ever  greedy  soldier  was  enticed 

By  poverty,  neglected  and  despised. 

"  O  poverty,  chief  of  the  heavenly  brood, 
Dearer  to  me  than  wealth  or  kingly  crown: 
No  wish  for  honor,  thirst  of  others'  good, 
Can  move  my  heart,  contented  with  mine  own : 
We  quench  our  thirst  with  water  of  this  flood, 
Nor  fear  we  poison  should  therein  be  thrown ; 
These  little  flocks  of  sheep  and  tender  goats 
Give  milk  for  food,  and  wool  to  make  us  coats. 

"  We  little  wish,  we  need  but  little  wealth, 
From  cold  and  hunger  us  to  clothe  and  feed; 
These  are  my  sons,  their  care  preserves  from  stealth 
Their  father's  flocks,  nor  servants  more  I  need: 
Amid  these  groves  I  walk  oft  for  my  health, 
And  to  the  fishes,  birds,  and  beasts  give  heed, 
How  they  are  fed,  in  forest,  spring  and  lake, 
And  their  contentment  for  example  take. 

"  Time  was,  for  each  one  hath  his  doating  time, 
These  silver  locks  were  golden  tresses  then, 
That  country  life  I  hated  as  a  crime, 
And  from  the  forest's  sweet  contentment  ran, 
To  Memphis's  stately  palace  would  I  climb, 
And  there  became  the  mighty  Caliph's  man, 

And  though  I  but  a  simple  gardener  were, 

Yet  could  I  mark  abuses,  see  and  hear. 


I34  TASSO 

"  Enticed  on  with  hope  of  future  gain, 
I  suffered  long  what  did  my  soul  displease ; 
But  when  my  youth  was  spent,  my  hope  was  vain, 
I  felt  my  native  strength  at  last  decrease ; 
I  gan  my  loss  of  lusty  years  complain, 
And  wished  I  had  enjoyed  the  country's  peace; 
I  bade  the  court  farewell,  and  with  content 
My  latter  age  here  have  I  quiet  spent." 

While  thus  he  spake,  Erminia  hushed  and  still 
His  wise  discourses  heard,  with  great  attention, 
His  speeches  grave  those  idle  fancies  kill 
Which  in  her  troubled  soul  bred  such  dissension ; 
After  much  thought  reformed  was  her  will, 
Within  those  woods  to  dwell  was  her  intention, 
Till  Fortune  should  occasion  new  afford, 
To  turn  her  home  to  her  desired  lord. 

She  said  therefore,  "  O  shepherd  fortunate ! 
That  troubles  some  didst  whilom  feel  and  prove, 
Yet  livest  now  in  this  contented  state, 
Let  my  mishap  thy  thoughts  to  pity  move, 
To  entertain  me  as  a  willing  mate 
In  shepherd's  life  which  I  admire  and  love; 
Within  these  pleasant  groves  perchance  my  heart, 
Of  her  discomforts,  may  unload  some  part. 

"  If  gold  or  wealth,  of  most  esteemed  dear, 
If  jewels  rich  thou  diddest  hold  in  prize, 
Such  store  thereof,  such  plenty  have  I  here, 
As  to  a  greedy  mind  might  well  suffice :  " 
With  that  down  trickled  many  a  silver  tear, 
Two  crystal  streams  fell  from  her  watery  eyes ; 
Part  of  her  sad  misfortunes  then  she  told, 
And  wept,  and  with  her  wept  that  shepherd  old. 

With  speeches  kind,  he  gan  the  virgin  dear 
Toward  his  cottage  gently  home  to  guide; 
His  aged  wife  there  made  her  homely  cheer, 
Yet  welcomed  her,  and  placed  her  by  her  side. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  135 

The  princess  donned  a  poor  pastoral's  gear, 
A  kerchief  coarse  upon  her  head  she  tied; 

But  yet  her  gestures  and  her  looks,  I  guess, 

Were  such  as  ill  beseemed  a  shepherdess. 

Not  those  rude  garments  could  obscure  and  hide 

The  heavenly  beauty  of  her  angel's  face, 

Nor  was  her  princely  offspring  damnified 

Or  aught  disparaged  by  those  labors  base ; 

Her  little  flocks  to  pasture  would  she  guide, 

And  milk  her  goats,  and  in  their  folds  them  place, 
Both  cheese  and  butter  could  she  make,  and  frame 
Herself  to  please  the  shepherd  and  his  dame. 

But  oft,  when  underneath  the  greenwood  shade 
Her  flocks  lay  hid  from  Phoebus'  scorching  rays, 
Unto  her  knight  she  songs  and  sonnets  made, 
And  them  engraved  in  bark  of  beech  and  bays ; 
She  told  how  Cupid  did  her  first  invade, 
How  conquered  her,  and  ends  with  Tancred's  praise : 
And  when  her  passion's  writ  she  over  read, 
Again  she  mourned,  again  salt  tears  she  shed. 

"  You  happy  trees  forever  keep,"  quoth  she, 

"  This  woful  story  in  your  tender  rind, 

Another  day  under  your  shade  maybe 

Will  come  to  rest  again  some  lover  kind ; 

Who  if  these  trophies  of  my  griefs  he  see, 

Shall  feel  dear  pity  pierce  his  gentle  mind ; " 
With  that  she  sighed  and  said,  "  Too  late  I  prove 
There  is  no  troth  in  fortune,  trust  in  love. 

"  Yet  may  it  be,  if  gracious  heavens  attend 
The  earnest  suit  of  a  distressed  wight, 
At  my  entreat  they  will  vouchsafe  to  send 
To  these  huge  deserts  that  unthankful  knight, 
That  when  to  earth  the  man  his  eyes  shall  bend, 
And  sees  my  grave,  my  tomb,  and  ashes  light, 
My  woful  death  his  stubborn  heart  may  move, 
cWith  tears  and  sorrows  to  reward  my  love. 


136  TASSO 

"  So,  though  my  life  hath  most  unhappy  been, 
At  least  yet  shall  my  spirit  dead  be  blest, 
My  ashes  cold  shall,  buried  on  this  green, 
Enjoy  that  good  this  body  ne'er  possessed." 
Thus  she  complained  to  the  senseless  treen, 
Floods  in  her  eyes,  and  fires  were  in  her  breast; 
But  he  for  whom  these  streams  of  tears  she  shed, 
Wandered  far  off,  alas,  as  chance  him  led. 

He  followed  on  the  footsteps  he  had  traced, 
Till  in  high  woods  and  forests  old  he  came, 
Where  bushes,  thorns  and  trees  so  thick  were  placed, 
And  so  obscure  the  shadows  of  the  same, 
That  soon  he  lost  the  tract  wherein  he  paced ; 
Yet  went  he  on,  which  way  he  could  not  aim, 
But  still  attentive  was  his  longing  ear 
If  noise  of  horse  or  noise  of  arms  he  hear. 

If  with  the  breathing  of  the  gentle  wind, 
An  aspen  leaf  but  shaked  on  the  tree, 
If  bird  or  beast  stirred  in  the  bushes  blind, 
Thither  he  spurred,  thither  he  rode  to  see : 
Out  of  the  wood  by  Cynthia's  favor  kind, 
At  last,  with  travel  great  and  pains,  got  he, 
And  following  on  a  little  path,  he  heard 
A  rumbling  sound,  and  hasted  thitherward. 

It  was  a  fountain  from  the  living  stone, 
That  poured  down  clear  streams  in  noble  store, 
Whose  conduit  pipes,  united  all  in  one, 
Throughout  a  rocky  channel  ghastly  roar; 
Here  Tancred  stayed,  and  called,  yet  answered  none, 
Save  babbling  echo,  from  the  crooked  shore ; 
And  there  the  weary  knight  at  last  espies 
The  springing  daylight  red  and  white  arise. 

He  sighed  sore,  and  guiltless  heaven  gan  blame, 
That  wished  success  to  his  desires  denied, 
And  sharp  revenge  protested  for  the  same, 
If  aught  but  good  his  mistress  fair  betide; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  137 

Then  wished  he  to  return  the  way  he  came, 
Although  he  wist  not  by  what  path  to  ride, 
And  time  drew  near  when  he  again  must  fight 
With  proud  Argantes,  that  vain-glorious  knight. 

His  stalwart  steed  the  champion  stout  bestrode 

And  pricked  fast  to  find  the  way  he  lost, 

But  through  a  valley  as  he  musing  rode, 

He.  saw  a  man  that  seemed  for  haste  a  post, 

His  horn  was  hung  between  his  shoulders  broad, 

As  is  the  guise  with  us :  Tancredi  crossed 
His  way,  and  gently  prayed  the  man  to  say, 
To  Godfrey's  camp  how  he  should  find  the  way. 

"  Sir,"  in  the  Italian  language  answered  he, 
"  I  ride  where  noble  Boemond  hath  me  sent :  " 
The  prince  thought  this  his  uncle's  man  should  be, 
And  after  him  his  course  with  speed  he  bent, 
A  fortress  stately  built  at  last  they  see, 
'Bout  which  a  muddy  stinking  lake  there  went, 
There  they  arrived  when  Titan  went  to  rest 
His  weary  limbs  in  night's  untroubled  nest. 

The  courier  gave  the  fort  a  warning  blast ; 

The  drawbridge  was  let  down  by  them  within : 

"  If  thou  a  Christian  be,"  quoth  he,  "  thou  mayest 

Till  Phoebus  shine  again,  here  take  thine  inn, 

The  County  of  Cosenza,  three  days  past, 

This  castle  from  the  Turks  did  nobly  win." 

The  prince  beheld  the  piece,  which  site  and  art 

Impregnable  had  made  on  every  part. 

He  feared  within  a  pile  so  fortified 

Some  secret  treason  or  enchantment  lay, 

But  had  he  known  even  there  he  should  have  died, 

Yet  should  his  looks  no  sign  of  fear  betray ; 

For  wheresoever  will  or  chance  him  guide, 

His  strong  victorious  hand  still  made  him  way: 

Yet  for  the  combat  he  must  shortly  make, 

No  new  adventures  list  he  undertake. 


138  TASSO 

Before  the  castle,  in  a  meadow  plain 
Beside  the  bridge's  end,  he  stayed  and  stood, 
Nor  was  entreated  by  the  speeches  vain 
Of  his  false  guide,  to  pass  beyond  the  flood. 
Upon  the  bridge  appeared  a  warlike  swain, 
From  top  to  toe  all  clad  in  armor  good, 

Who  brandishing  a  broad  and  cutting  sword, 
Thus  threatened  death  with  many  an  idle  word. 

"  O  thou,  whom  chance  or  will  brings  to  the  soil, 
Where  fair  Armida  doth  the  sceptre  guide, 
Thou  canst  not  fly,  of  arms  thyself  despoil, 
And  let  thy  hands  with  iron  chains  be  tied ; 
Enter  and  rest  thee  from  thy  weary  toil. 
Within  this  dungeon  shalt  thou  safe  abide, 
And  never  hope  again  to  see  the  day, 
Or  that  thy  hair  for  age  shall  turn  to  gray ; 

"  Except  thou  swear  her  valiant  knights  to  aid 
Against  those  traitors  of  the  Christian  crew." 
Tancred  at  this  discourse  a  little  stayed, 
His  arms,  his  gesture,  and  his  voice  he  knew : 
It  was  Rambaldo,  who  for  that  false  maid 
Forsook  his  country  and  religion  true, 
And  of  that  fort  defender  chief  became, 
And  those  vile  customs  stablished  in  the  same. 

The  warrior  answered,  blushing  red  for  shame, 

"  Cursed  apostate,  and  ungracious  wight, 

I  am  that  Tancred  who  defend  the  name 

Of  Christ,  and  have  been  aye  his  faithful  knight; 

His  rebel  foes  can  I  subdue  and  tame, 

As  thou  shalt  find  before  we  end  this  fight ; 

And  thy  false  heart  cleft  with  this  vengeful  sword, 
Shall  feel  the  ire  of  thy  forsaken  Lord." 

When  that  great  name  Rambaldo's  ears  did  fill, 
He  shook  for  fear  and  looked  pale  for  dread, 
Yet  proudly  said,  "  Tancred,  thy  hap  was  ill 
fTo  wander  hither  where  thou  art  but  dead, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  139 

Where  naught  can  help,  thy  courage,  strength  and  skill; 

To  Godfrey  will  I  send  thy  cursed  head, 
That  he  may  see,  how  for  Armida's  sake, 
Of  him  and  of  his  Christ  a  scorn  I  make." 

This  said,  the  day  to  sable  night  was  turned, 
That  scant  one  could  another's  arms  descry, 
But  soon  an  hundred  lamps  and  torches  burned, 
That  cleared  all  the  earth  and  all  the  sky; 
The  castle  seemed  a  stage  with  lights  adorned, 
On  which  men  play  some  pompous  tragedy ; 
Within  a  terrace  sat  on  high  the  queen, 
And  heard,  and  saw,  and  kept  herself  unseen. 

The  noble  baron  whet  his  courage  hot, 
And  busked  him  boldly  to  the  dreadful  fight ; 
Upon  his  horse  long  while  he  tarried  not, 
Because  on  foot  he  saw  the  Pagan  knight, 
Who  underneath  his  trusty  shield  was  got, 
His  sword  was  drawn,  closed  was  his  helmet  bright, 
Gainst  whom  the  prince  marched  on  a  stately  pace, 
Wrath  in  his  voice,  rage  in  his  eyes  and  face. 

His  foe,  his  furious  charge  not  well  abiding, 
Traversed  his  ground,  and  started  here  and  there, 
But  he,  though  faint  and  weary  both  with  riding, 
Yet  followed  fast  and  still  oppressed  him  near, 
And  on  what  side  he  felt  Rambaldo  sliding, 
On  that  his  forces  most  employed  were; 
Now  at  his  helm,  now  at  his  hauberk  bright, 
He  thundered  blows,  now  at  his  face  and  sight. 

Against  those  numbers  battery  chief  he  maketh, 
Wherein  man's  life  keeps  chiefest  residence ; 
At  his  proud  threats  the  Gascoign  warrior  quaketh, 
And  uncouth  fear  appalled  every  sense, 
To  nimble  shifts  the  knight  himself  betaketh, 
And  skippeth  here  and  there  for  his  defence: 
Now  with  his  targe,  now  with  his  trusty  blade, 
Against  his  blows  he  good  resistance  made. 


TASSO 

Yet  no  such  quickness  for  defence  he  used, 
As  did  the  prince  to  work  him  harm  and  scathe ; 
His  shield  was  cleft  in  twain,  his  helmet  bruised, 
And  in  his  blood  his  other  arms  did  bathe; 
On  him  he  heaped  blows,  with  thrusts  confused, 
And  more  or  less  each  stroke  annoyed  him  hath ; 
He  feared,  and  in  his  troubled  bosom  strove 
Remorse  of  conscience,  shame,  disdain  and  love. 

At  last  so  careless  foul  despair  him  made, 
He  meant  to  prove  his  fortune  ill  or  good, 
His  shield  cast  down,  he  took  his  helpless  blade 
In  both  his  hands,  which  yet  had  drawn  no  blood, 
And  with  such  force  upon  the  prince  he  laid, 
That  neither  plate  nor  mail  the  blow  withstood, 
The  wicked  steel  seized  deep  in  his  right  side, 
And  with  his  streaming  blood  his  bases  dyed: 

Another  stroke  he  lent  him  on  the  brow, 
So  great  that  loudly  rung  the  sounding  steel ; 
Yet  pierced  he  not  the  helmet  with  the  blow, 
Although  the  owner  twice  or  thrice  did  reel. 
The  prince,  whose  looks  disdainful  anger  show, 
Now  meant  to  use  his  puissance  every  deal, 

He  shaked  his  head  and  crashed  his  teeth  for  ire, 
His  lips  breathed  wrath,  eyes  sparkled  shining  fire. 

The  Pagan  wretch  no  longer  could  sustain 
The  dreadful  terror  of  his  fierce  aspect, 
Against  the  threatened  blow  he  saw  right  plain 
No  tempered  armor  could  his  life  protect, 
He  leapt  aside,  the  stroke  fell  down  in  vain, 
Against  a  pillar  near  a  bridge  erect. 

Thence  flaming  fire  and  thousand  sparks  outstart, 
And  kill  with  fear  the  coward  Pagan's  heart. 

Toward  the  bridge  the  fearful  Paynim  fled, 
And  in  swift  flight,  his  hope  of  life  reposed; 
Himself  fast  after  Lord  Tancredi  sped, 
And  now  in  equal  pace  almost  they  closed, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  141 

When  all  the  burning  lamps  extinguished 

The  shining  fort  his  goodly  splendor  losed, 

And  all  those  stars  on  heaven's  blue  face  that  shone 
With  Cynthia's  self,  dispeared  were  and  gone. 

Amid  those  witchcrafts  and  that  ugly  shade, 
No  further  could  the  prince  pursue  the  chase, 
Nothing  he  saw,  yet  forward  still  he  made, 
With  doubtful  steps,  and  ill  assured  pace ; 
At  last  his  foot  upon  a  threshold  trad, 
And  ere  he  wist,  he  entered  had  the  place ; 

With  ghastly  noise  the  door-leaves  shut  behind, 
And  closed  him  fast  in  prison  dark  and  blind. 

As  in  our  seas  in  the  Commachian  Bay, 
A  silly  fish,  with  streams  enclosed,  striveth, 
To  shun  the  fury  and  avoid  the  sway 
Wherewith  the  current  in  that  whirlpool  driveth, 
Yet  seeketh  all  in  vain,  but  finds  no  way 
Out  of  that  watery  prison,  where  she  diveth : 
For  with  such  force  there  be  the  tides  in  brought, 
There  entereth  all  that  will,  thence  issueth  naught : 

This  prison  so  entrapped  that  valiant  knight; 

Of  which  the  gate  was  framed  by  subtle  train, 

To  close  without  the  help  of  human  wight, 

So  sure  none  could  undo  the  leaves  again ; 

Against  the  doors  he  bended  all  his  might, 

But  all  his  forces  were  employed  in  vain, 
At  last  a  voice  gan  to  him  loudly  call, 
"  Yield  thee,"  quoth  it,  "  thou  art  Armida's  thrall." 

"  Within  this  dungeon  buried  shalt  thou  spend 
The  res'due  of  thy  woful  days  and  years ; " 
The  champion  list  not  more  with  words  contend, 
But  in  his  heart  kept  close  his  griefs  and  fears, 
He  blamed  love,  chance  gan  he  reprehend, 
And  gainst  enchantment  huge  complaints  he  rears. 
"  It  were  small  loss,"  softly  he  thus  begun, 
"  To  lose  the  brightness  of  the  shining  sun ; 


142  TASSO 

"  But  I,  alas,  the  golden  beam  forego 
Of  my  far  brighter  sun ;  nor  can  I  say 
If  these  poor  eyes  shall  e'er  be  blessed  so, 
As  once  again  to  view  that  shining  ray :  " 
Then  thought  he  on  his  proud  Circassian  foe, 
And  said,  "  Ah !  how  shall  I  perform  that  fray? 
He,  and  the  world  with  him,  will  Tancred  blame, 
This  is  my  grief,  my  fault,  mine  endless  shame." 

While  those  high  spirits  of  this  champion  good, 
With  love  and  honor's  care  are  thus  oppressed, 
While  he  torments  himself,  Argantes  wood, 
Waxed  weary  of  his  bed  and  of  his  rest, 
Such  hate  of  peace,  and  such  desire  of  blood, 
Such  thirst  of  glory,  boiled  in  his  breast; 

That  though  he  scant  could  stir  or  stand  upright, 
Yet  longed  he  for  the  appointed  day  to  fight. 

The  night  which  that  expected  day  forewent, 
Scantly  the  Pagan  closed  his  eyes  to  sleep, 
He  told  how  night  her  sliding  hours  spent, 
And  rose  ere  springing  day  began  to  peep; 
He  called  for  armor,  which  incontinent 
Was  brought  by  him  that  used  the  same  to  keep, 
That  harness  rich  old  Aladine  him  gave, 
A  worthy  present  for  a  champion  brave. 

He  donned  them  on,  not  long  their  riches  eyed, 
Nor  did  he  aught  with  so  great  weight  incline, 
His  wonted  sword  upon  his  thigh  he  tied, 
The  blade  was  old  and  tough,  of  temper  fine. 
As  when  a  comet  far  and  wide  descried, 
In  scorn  of  Phoebus  midst  bright  heaven  doth  shine, 
And  tidings  sad  of  death  and  mischief  brings 
To  mighty  lords,  to  monarchs,  and  to  kings : 

So  shone  the  Pagan  in  bright  armor  clad, 
And  rolled  his  eyes  great  swollen  with  ire  and  blood, 
His  dreadful  gestures  threatened  horror  sad, 
And  ugly  death  upon  his  forehead  stood; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  143 

Not  one  of  all  his  squires  the  courage  had 
To  approach  their  master  in  his  angry  mood, 
Above  his  head  he  shook  his  naked  blade, 
And  gainst  the  subtle  air  vain  battle  made. 

"  The  Christian  thief,"  quoth  he,  "  that  was  so  bold 
To  combat  me  in  hard  and  single  fight, 
Shall  wounded  fall  inglorious  on  the  mould, 
His  locks  with  clods  of  blood  and  dust  bedight, 
And  living  shall  with  watery  eyes  behold 
How  from  his  back  I  tear  his  harness  bright, 
Nor  shall  his  dying  words  me  so  entreat, 
But  that  I'll  give  his  flesh  to  dogs  for  meat" 

Like  as  a  bull  when,  pricked  with  jealousy, 

He  spies  the  rival  of  his  hot  desire, 

Through  all  the  fields  doth  bellow,  roar  and  cry, 

And  with  his  thundering  voice  augments  his  ire, 

And  threatening  battle  to  the  empty  sky, 

Tears  with  his  horn  each  tree,  plant,  bush  and  brier, 

And  with  his  foot  casts  up  the  sand  on  height, 

Defying  his  strong  foe  to  deadly  fight: 

Such  was  the  Pagan's  fury,  such  his  cry. 
A  herald  called  he  then,  and  thus  he  spake; 
"  Go  to  the  camp,  and  in  my  name,  defy 
The  man  that  combats  for  his  Jesus'  sake ; " 
This  said,  upon  his  steed  he  mounted  high, 
And  with  him  did  his  noble  prisoner  take, 

The  town  he  thus  forsook,  and  on  the  green 

He  ran,  as  mad  or  frantic  he  had  been. 

A  bugle  small  he  winded  loud  and  shrill, 
That  made  resound  the  fields  and  valleys  near, 
Louder  than  thunder  from  Olympus  hill 
Seemed  that  dreadful  blast  to  all  that  hear; 
The  Christian  lords  of  prowess,  strength  and  skill, 
Within  the  imperial  tent  assembled  were, 

The  herald  there  in  boasting  terms  defied 

Tancredi  first,  and  all  that  durst  beside. 


144  TASSO 

With  sober  cheer  Godfredo  looked  about, 
And  viewed  at  leisure  every  lord  and  knight ; 
But  yet  for  all  his  looks  not  one  stepped  out, 
With  courage  bold,  to  undertake  the  fight: 
Absent  were  all  the  Christian  champions  stout, 
No  news  of  Tancred  since  his  secret  flight; 
Boemond  far  off,  and  banished  from  the  crew 
Was  that  strong  prince  who  proud  Gernando  slew : 

And  eke  those  ten  which  chosen  were  by  lot, 
And  all  the  worthies  of  the  camp  beside, 
After  Armida  false  were  followed  hot, 
When  night  were  come  their  secret  flight  to  hide; 
The  rest  their  hands  and  hearts  that  trusted  not, 
Blushed  for  shame,  yet  silent  still  abide; 

For  none  there  was  that  sought  to  purchase  fame 
In  so  great  peril,  fear  exiled  shame. 

The  angry  duke  their  fear  discovered  plain, 
By  their  pale  looks  and  silence  from  each  part, 
And  as  he  moved  was  with  just  disdain, 
These  words  he  said,  and  from  his  seat  upstart: 
"  Unworthy  life  I  judge  that  coward  swain 
To  hazard  it  even  now  that  wants  the  heart, 
When  this  vile  Pagan  with  his  glorious  boast 
Dishonors  and  defies  Christ's  sacred  host. 

"  But  let  my  camp  sit  still  in  peace  and  rest, 
And  my  life's  hazard  at  their  ease  behold. 
Come  bring  me  here  my  fairest  arms  and  best ; " 
And  they  were  brought  sooner  than  could  be  told. 
But  gentle  Raymond  in  his  aged  breast, 
Who  had  mature  advice,  and  counsel  old, 

Than  whom  in  all  the  camp  were  none  or  few 
Of  greater  might,  before  Godfredo  drew, 

And  gravely  said,  "  Ah,  let  it  not  betide, 
On  one  man's  hand  to  venture  all  this  host ! 
No  private  soldier  thou,  thou  art  our  guide, 
If  thou  miscarry,  all  our  hope  were  lost, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  145 

By  thee  must  Babel  fall,  and  all  her  pride ; 

Of  our  true  faith  thou  art  the  prop  and  post, 
Rule  with  thy  sceptre,  conquer  with  thy  word, 
Let  others  combat  make  with  spear  and  sword. 

"  Let  me  this  Pagan's  glorious  pride  assuage, 
These  aged  arms  can  yet  their  weapons  use, 
Let  others  shun  Bellona's  dreadful  rage, 
These  silver  locks  shall  not  Raymondo  'scuse : 
Oh  that  I  were  in  prime  of  lusty  age, 
Like  you  that  this  adventure  brave  refuse, 
And  dare  not  once  lift  up  your  coward  eyes, 
Gainst  him  that  you  and  Christ  himself  defies ! 

"  Or  as  I  was  when  all  the  lords  of  fame 

And  Germain  princes  great  stood  by  to  view, 

In  Conrad's  court,  the  second  of  that  name, 

When  Leopold  in  single  fight  I  slew ; 

A  greater  praise  I  reaped  by  the  same, 

So  strong  a  foe  in  combat  to  subdue, 
Than  he  should  do  who  all  alone  should  chase 
Or  kill  a  thousand  of  these  Pagans  base. 

"  Within  these  arms,  had  I  that  strength  again, 

This  boasting  Paynim  had  not  lived  now, 

Yet  in  this  breast  doth  courage  still  remain ; 

For  age  or  years  these  members  shall  not  bow; 

And  if  I  be  in  this  encounter  slain, 

Scotfree  Argantes  shall  not  scape,  I  vow; 
Give  me  mine  arms,  this  battle  shall  with  praise 
Augment  mine  honor,  got  in  younger  days." 

The  jolly  baron  old  thus  bravely  spake, 
His  words  are  spurs  to  virtue ;  every  knight 
That  seemed  before  to  tremble  and  to  quake, 
Now  talked  bold,  example  hath  such  might ; 
Each  one  the  battle  fierce  would  undertake, 
Now  strove  they  all  who  should  begin  the  fight; 
Baldwin  and  Roger  both,  would  combat  fain, 
Stephen,  Guelpho,  Gernier  and  the  Gerrards  twain; 


I46  TASSO 

And  Pyrrhus,  who  with  help  of  Boemond's  sword 
Proud  Antioch  by  cunning  sleight  opprest ; 
The  battle  eke  with  many  a  lowly  word, 
Ralph,  Rosimond,  and  Eberard  request, 
A  Scottish,  an  Irish,  and  an  English  lord, 
Whose  lands  the  seas  divide  far  from  the  rest ; 
And  for  the  fight  did  likewise  humbly  sue, 
Edward  and  his  Gildippes,  lovers  true. 

But  Raymond  more  than  all  the  rest  doth  sue 
Upon  that  Pagan  fierce  to  wreak  his  ire, 
Now  wants  he  naught  of  all  his  armors  due 
Except  his  helm  that  shone  like  flaming  fire. 
To  whom  Godfredo  thus ;  "  O  mirror  true 
Of  antique  worth!  thy  courage  doth  inspire 

New  strength  in  us,  of  Mars  in  thee  doth  shine 

The  art,  the  honor  and  the  discipline. 

"If  ten  like  thee  of  valor  and  of  age, 

Among  these  legions  I  could  haply  find, 

I  should  the  heat  of  Babel's  pride  assuage, 

And  spread  our  faith  from  Thule  to  furthest  Inde ; 

But  now  I  pray  thee  calm  thy  valiant  rage, 

Reserve  thyself  till  greater  need  us  bind, 

And  let  the  rest  each  one  write  down  his  name, 
And  see  whom  Fortune  chooseth  to  this  game, — 

"  Or  rather  see  whom  God's  high  judgment  taketh, 
To  whom  is  chance,  and  fate,  and  fortune  slave." 
Raymond  his  earnest  suit  not  yet  forsaketh, 
His  name  writ  with  the  residue  would  he  have, 
Godfrey  himself  in  his  bright  helmet  shaketh 
The  scrolls,  with  names  of  all  the  champions  brave: 
They  drew,  and  read  the  first  whereon  they  hit, 
Wherein  was  "  Raymond,  Earl  of  Tholouse,"  writ. 

His  name  with  joy  and  mighty  shouts  they  bless; 
The  rest  allow  his  choice,  and  fortune  praise, 
New  vigor  blushed  through  those  looks  of  hisj 
It  seemed  he  now  resumed  his  youthful  days, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  147 

Like  to  a  snake  whose  slough  new  changed  is, 
That  shines  like  gold  against  the  sunny  rays : 
But  Godfrey  most  approved  his  fortune  high, 
And  wished  him  honor,  conquest,  victory. 

Then  from  his  side  he  took  his  noble  brand, 
And  giving  it  to  Raymond,  thus  he  spake : 
"  This  is  the  sword  wherewith  in  Saxon  land, 
The  great  Rubello  battle  used  to  make, 
From  him  I  took  it,  fighting  hand  to  hand, 
And  took  his  life  with  it,  and  many  a  lake 
Of  blood  with  it  I  have  shed  since  that  day, 
With  thee  God  grant  it  proves  as  happy  may." 

Of  these  delays  meanwhile  impatient, 
Argantes  threateneth  loud  and  sternly  cries, 
"  O  glorious  people  of  the  Occident ! 
Behold  him  here  that  all  your  host  defies: 
Why  comes  not  Tancred,  whose  great  hardiment, 
With  you  is  prized  so  dear?    Pardie  he  lies 
Still  on  his  pillow,  and  presumes  the  night 
Again  may  shield  him  from  my  power  and  might. 

"  Why  then  some  other  come,  by  band  and  band, 
Come  all,  come  forth  on  horseback,  come  on  foot, 
If  not  one  man  dares  combat  hand  to  hand, 
In  all  the  thousands  of  so  great  a  rout : 
See  where  the  tomb  of  Mary's  Son  doth  stand, 
March  thither,  warriors  bold,  what  makes  you  doubt  ? 
Why  run  you  not,  there  for  your  sins  to  weep 
Or  to  what  greater  need  these  forces  keep  ?  " 

Thus  scorned  by  that  heathen  Saracine 
Were  all  the  soldiers  of  Christ's  sacred  name: 
Raymond,  while  others  at  his  words  repine, 
Burst  forth  in  rage,  he  could  not  bear  this  shame: 
For  fire  of  courage  brighter  far  doth  shine 
If  challenges  and  threats  augment  the  same; 
So  that,  upon  his  steed  he  mounted  light, 

Which  Aquilino  for  his  swiftness  hight. 

.    Classics.     Vol.    35— H 


I48  TASSO 

This  jennet  was  by  Tagus  bred ;  for  oft 
The  breeder  of  these  beasts  to  war  assigned, 
When  first  on  trees  burgeon  the  blossoms  soft, 
Pricked  forward  with  the  sting  of  fertile  kind, 
Against  the  air  casts  up  her  head  aloft 
And  gathereth  seed  so  from  the  fruitful  wind, 
And  thus  conceiving  of  the  gentle  blast, 
A  wonder  strange  and  rare,  she  foals  at  last. 

And  had  you  seen  the  beast,  you  would  have  said 
The  light  and  subtile  wind  his  father  was ; 
For  if  his  course  upon  the  sands  he  made 
No  sign  was  left  what  way  the  beast  did  pass ; 
Or  if  he  menaged  were,  or  if  he  played, 
He  scantly  bended  down  the  tender  grass: 
Thus  mounted  rode  the  Earl,  and  as  he  went, 
Thus  prayed,  to  Heaven  his  zealous  looks  upbent. 

"  O  Lord,  that  diddest  save,  keep  and  defend 
Thy  servant  David  from  Goliath's  rage, 
And  broughtest  that  huge  giant  to  his  end, 
Slain  by  a  faithful  child  of  tender  age ; 
Like  grace,  O  Lord,  like  mercy  now  extend! 
Let  me  this  vile  blasphemous  pride  assuage, 
That  all  the  world  may  to  thy  glory  know, 
Old  men  and  babes  thy  foes  can  overthrow ! " 

Thus  prayed  the  County,  and  his  prayers  dear 
Strengthened  with  zeal,  with  godliness  and  faith, 
Before  the  throne  of  that  great  Lord  appear, 
In  whose  sweet  grace  is  life,  death  in  his  wrath, 
Among  his  armies  bright  and  legions  clear, 
The  Lord  an  angel  good  selected  hath, 

To  whom  the  charge  was  given  to  guard  the  knight, 
And  keep  him  safe  from  that  fierce  Pagan's  might. 

The  angel  good,  appointed  for  the  guard 
Of  noble  Raymond  from  his  tender  eild, 
That  kept  him  then,  and  kept  him  afterward, 
When  spear  and  sword  he  able  was  to  wield, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  149 

Now  when  his  great  Creator's  will  he  heard, 
That  in  this  fight  he  should  him  chiefly  shield, 
Up  to  a  tower  set  on  a  rock  he  flies, 
Where  all  the  heavenly  arms  and  weapons  lies : 

There  stands  the  lance  wherewith  great  Michael  slew 
The  aged  dragon  in  a  bloody  fight, 
There  are  the  dreadful  thunders  forged  new, 
With  storms  and  plagues  that  on  poor  sinners  light ; 
The  massy  trident  mayest  thou  pendant  view 
There  on  a  golden  pin  hung  up  on  height, 

Wherewith  sometimes  he  smites  this  solid  land, 

And  throws  down  towns  and  towers  thereon  which  stand. 

Among  the  blessed  weapons  there  which  stands 
Upon  a  diamond  shield  his  looks  he  bended, 
So  great  that  it  might  cover  all  the  lands, 
'Twixt  Caucasus  and  Atlas  hills  extended; 
With  it  the  lord's  dear  flocks  and  faithful  bands, 
The  holy  kings  and  cities  are  defended, 
The  sacred  angel  took  his  target  sheen, 
And  by  the  Christian  champion  stood  unseen. 

But  now  the  walls  and  turrets  round  about, 
Both  young  and  old  with  many  thousands  fill ; 
The  king  Clorinda  sent  and  her  brave  rout, 
To  keep  the  field,  she  stayed  upon  the  hill : 
Godfrey  likewise  some  Christian  bands  sent  out 
Which  armed,  and  ranked  in  good  array  stood  still, 
And  to  their  champions  empty  let  remain 
'Twixt  either  troop  a  large  and  spacious  plain. 

Argantes  looked  for  Tancredi  bold, 
But  saw  an  uncouth  foe  at  last  appear, 
Raymond  rode  on,  and  what  he  asked  him,  told, 
Better  by  chance,  "  Tancred  is  now  elsewhere, 
Yet  glory  not  of  that,  myself  behold 
Am  come  prepared,  and  bid  thee  battle  here, 
And  in  his  place,  or  for  myself  to  fight, 
Lo,  here  I  am,  who  scorn  thy  heathenish  might." 


150  TASSO 

The  Pagan  cast  a  scornful  smile  and  said, 
"  But  where  is  Tancred,  is  he  still  in  bed? 
His  looks  late  seemed  to  make  high  heaven  afraid; 
But  now  for  dread  he  is  or  dead  or  fled ; 
But  whe'er  earth's  centre  or  the  deep  sea  made 
His  lurking  hole,  it  should  not  save  his  head." 
"  Thou  liest,"  he  says,  "  to  say  so  brave  a  knight 
Is  fled  from  thee,  who  thee  exceeds  in  might." 

The  angry  Pagan  said,  "  I  have  not  spilt 
My  labor  then,  if  thou  his  place  supply, 
Go  take  the  field,  and  let's  see  how  thou  wilt 
Maintain  thy  foolish  words  and  that  brave  lie ; " 
Thus  parleyed  they  to  meet  in  equal  tilt, 
Each  took  his  aim  at  other's  helm  on  high, 
Even  in  the  fight  his  foe  good  Raymond  hit, 
But  shaked  him  not,  he  did  so  firmly  sit. 

The  fierce  Circassian  missed  of  his  blow, 
A  thing  which  seld  befell  the  man  before, 
The  angel,  by  unseen,  his  force  did  know, 
And  far  awry  the  poignant  weapon  bore, 
He  burst  his  lance  against  the  sand  below, 
And  bit  his  lips  for  rage,  and  cursed  and  swore, 
Against  his  foe  returned  he  swift  as  wind, 
Half  mad  in  arms  a  second  match  to  find. 

Like  to  a  ram  that  butts  with  horned  head, 
So  spurred  he  forth  his  horse  with  desperate  race: 
Raymond  at  his  right  hand  let  slide  his  steed, 
And  as  he  passed  struck  at  the  Pagan's  face; 
He  turned  again,  the  earl  was  nothing  dread, 
Yet  stept  aside,  and  to  his  rage  gave  place, 

And  on  his  helm  with  all  his  strength  gan  smite, 
Which  was  so  hard  his  courtlax  could  not  bite. 

The  Saracen  employed  his  art  and  force, 
To  grip  his  foe  within  his  mighty  arms, 
But  he  avoided  nimbly  with  his  horse, 
He  was  no  prentice  in  those  fierce  alarms, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  151 

About  him  made  he  many  a  winding  course, 
No  strength,  nor  sleight  the  subtle  warrior  harms, 
His  nimble  steed  obeyed  his  ready  hand, 
And  where  he  stept  no  print  left  in  the  sand. 

As  when  a  captain  doth  besiege  some  hold, 

Set  in  a  marsh  or  high  up  on  a  hill, 

And  trieth  ways  and  wiles  a  thousandfold, 

To  bring  the  piece  subjected  to  his  will; 

So  fared  the  County  with  the  Pagan  bold ; 

And  when  he  did  his  head  and  breast  none  ill, 
His  weaker  parts  he  wisely  gan  assail, 
And  entrance  searched  oft  'twixt  mail  and  mail. 

At  last  he  hit  him  on  a  place  or  twain, 
That  on  his  arms  the  red  blood  trickled  down, 
And  yet  himself  untouched  did  remain, 
No  nail  was  broke,  no  plume  cut  from  his  crown ; 
Argantes  raging  spent  his  strength  in  vain, 
Waste  were  his  strokes,  his  thrusts  were  idle  thrown, 
Yet  pressed  he  on,  and  doubled  still  his  blows, 
And  where  he  hits  he  neither  cares  nor  knows. 

Among  a  thousand  blows  the  Saracine 
At  last  struck  one,  when  Raymond  was  so  near, 
That  not  the  swiftness  of  his  Aquiline 
Could  his  dear  lord  from  that  huge  danger  bear : 
But  lo,  at  hand  unseen  was  help  divine, 
Which  saves  when  worldly  comforts  none  appear, 
The  angel  on  his  targe  received  that  stroke, 
And  on  that  shield  Argantes'  sword  was  broke. 

The  sword  was  broke,  therein  no  wonder  lies 
If  earthly  tempered  metal  could  not  hold 
Against  that  target  forged  above  the  skies, 
Down  fell  the  blade  in  pieces  on  the  mould ; 
The  proud  Circassian  scant  believed  his  eyes, 
Though  naught  were  left  him  but  the  hilts  of  gold, 
And  full  of  thoughts  amazed  awhile  he  stood, 
Wondering  the  Christian's  armor  was  so  good. 


1 52  TASSO 

The  brittle  web  of  that  rich  sword  he  thought, 
Was  broke  through  hardness  of  the  County's  shield ; 
And  so  thought  Raymond,  who  discovered  naught 
What  succor  Heaven  did  for  his  safety  yield: 
But  when  he  saw  the  man  gainst  whom  he  fought, 
Unweaponed,  still  stood  he  in  the  field ; 
His  noble  heart  esteemed  the  glory  light, 
At  such  advantage  if  he  slew  the  knight. 

"  Go  fetch,"  he  would  have  said,  "  another  blade," 
When  in  his  heart  a  better  thought  arose, 
How  for  Christ's  glory  he  was  champion  made, 
How  Godfrey  had  him  to  this  combat  chose, 
The  army's  honor  on  his  shoulder  laid 
To  hazards  new  he  list  not  that  expose; 

While  thus  his  thoughts  debated  on  the  case, 
The  hilts  Argantes  hurled  at  his  face. 

And  forward  spurred  his  mounture  fierce  withal, 
Within  his  arms  longing  his  foe  to  strain, 
Upon  whose  helm  the  heavy  blow  did  fall, 
And  bent  well-nigh  the  metal  to  his  brain: 
But  he,  whose  courage  was  heroical, 
Leapt  by,  and  makes  the  Pagan's  onset  vain, 
And  wounds  his  hand,  which  he  outstretched  saw, 
Fiercer  than  eagles'  talon,  lions'  paw. 

Now  here,  now  there,  on  every  side  he  rode, 
With  nimble  speed,  and  spurred  now  out,  now  in, 
And  as  he  went  and  came  still  laid  on  load 
Where  Lord  Argantes'  arms  were  weak  and  thin ; 
All  that  huge  force  which  in  his  arms  abode, 
His  wrath,  his  ire,  his  great  desire  to  win, 
Against  his  foe  together  all  he  bent, 
And  heaven  and  fortune  furthered  his  intent. 

But  he,  whose  courage  for  no  peril  fails, 
Well  armed,  and  better  hearted,  scorns  his  power. 
Like  a  tall  ship  when  spent  are  all  her  sails, 
Which  still  resists  the  rage  of  storm  and  shower, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  153 

Whose  mighty  ribs  fast  bound  with  bands  and  nails, 
Withstands  fierce  Neptune's  wrath,  for  many  an  hour, 
And  yields  not  up  her  bruised  keel  to  winds, 
In  whose  stern  blast  no  ruth  nor  grace  she  finds : 

Argantes  such  thy  present  danger  was, 

When  Satan  stirred  to  aid  thee  at  thy  need, 

In  human  shape  he  forged  an  airy  mass, 

And  made  the  shade  a  body  seem  indeed ; 

Well  might  the  spirit  of  Clorinda  pass, 

Like  her  it  was,  in  armor  and  in  weed, 
In  stature,  beauty,  countenance  and  face, 
In  looks,  in  speech,  in  gesture,  and  in  pace. 

And  for  the  spirit  should  seem  the  same  indeed, 
From  where  she  was  whose  show  and  shape  it  had, 
Toward  the  wall  it  rode  with  feigned  speed, 
Where  stood  the  people  all  dismayed  and  sad, 
To  see  their  knight  of  help  have  so  great  need, 
And  yet  the  law  of  arms  all  help  forbad. 
There  in  a  turret  sat  a  soldier  stout 
To  watch,  and  at  a  loop-hole  peeped  out ; 

The  spirit  spake  to  him,  called  Oradine, 
The  noblest  archer  then  that  handled  bow, 
"  O  Oradine,"  quoth  she,  "  who  straight  as  line 
Can'st  shoot,  and  hit  each  mark  set  high  or  low, 
If  yonder  knight,  alas!  be  slain  in  fine, 
As  likest  is,  great  ruth  it  were  you  know, 
And  greater  shame,  if  his  victorious  foe 
Should  with  his  spoils  triumphant  homeward  go. 

"  Now  prove  thy  skill,  thine  arrow's  sharp  head  dip       . 
In  yonder  thievish  Frenchman's  guilty  blood, 
I  promise  thee  thy  sovereign  shall  not  slip 
To  give  thee  large  rewards  for  such  a  good ; " 
Thus  said  the  spirit ;  the  man  did  laugh  and  skip 
For  hope  of  future  gain,  nor  longer  stood, 

But  from  his  quiver  huge  a  shaft  he  hent, 

And  set  it  in  his  mighty  bow  new  bent, 


154  TASSO 

Twanged  the  string,  out  flew  the  quarrel  long, 
And  through  the  subtle  air  did  singing  pass, 
It  hit  the  knight  the  buckles  rich  among, 
Wherewith  his  precious  girdle  fastened  was, 
It  bruised  them  and  pierced  his  hauberk  strong, 
Some  little  blood  down  trickled  on  the  grass; 
Light  was  the  wound ;  the  angel  by  unseen, 
The  sharp  head  blunted  of  the  weapon  keen. 

Raymond  drew  forth  the  shaft,  as  much  behoved, 
And  with  the  steel,  his  blood  out  streaming  came, 
With  bitter  words  his  foe  he  then  reproved, 
For  breaking  faith,  to  his  eternal  shame. 
Godfrey,  whose  careful  eyes  from  his  beloved 
Were  never  turned,  saw  and  marked  the  same, 
And  when  he  viewed  the  wounded  County  bleed, 
He  sighed,  and  feared,  more  perchance  than  need ; 

And  with  his  words,  and  with  his  threatening  eyes, 
He  stirred  his  captains  to  revenge  that  wrong; 
Forthwith  the  spurred  courser  forward  hies, 
Within  their  rests  put  were  their  lances  long, 
From  either  side  a  squadron  brave  out  flies, 
And  boldly  made  a  fierce  encounter  strong, 
The  raised  dust  to  overspread  begun 
Their  shining  arms,  and  far  more  shining  sun. 

Of  breaking  spears,  of  ringing  helm  and  shield, 
A  dreadful  rumor  roared  on  every  side, 
There  lay  a  horse,  another  through  the  field 
Ran  masterless,  dismounted  was  his  guide; 
Here  one  lay  dead,  there  did  another  yield, 
•Some  sighed,  some  sobbed,  some  prayed,  and  some  cried ; 
Fierce  was  the  fight,  and  longer  still  it  lasted, 
Fiercer  and  fewer,  still  themselves  they  wasted. 

Argantes  nimbly  leapt  amid  the  throng, 
And  from  a  soldier  wrung  an  iron  mace, 
And  breaking  through  the  ranks  and  ranges  long, 
Therewith  he  passage  made  himself  and  place, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  155 

Raymond  he  sought,  the  thickest  press  among. 

To  take  revenge  for  late  received  disgrace, 
A  greedy  wolf  he  seemed,  and  would  assuage 
With  Raymond's  blood  his  hunger  and  his  rage. 

The  way  he  found  not  easy  as  he  would, 
But  fierce  encounters  put  him  oft  to  pain, 
He  met  Ormanno  and  Rogero  bold, 
Of  Balnavile,  Guy,  and  the  Gerrards  twain; 
Yet  nothing  might  his  rage  and  haste  withhold, 
These  worthies  strove  to  stop  him,  but  in  vain, 
With  these  strong  lets  increased  still  his  ire, 
Like  rivers  stopped,  or  closely  smouldered  fire. 

He  slew  Ormanno,  and  wounded  Guy,  and  laid 

Rogero  low,  among  the  people  slain, 

On  every  side  new  troops  the  man  invade, 

Yet  all  their  blows  were  waste,  their  onsets  vain, 

But  while  Argantes  thus  his  prizes  played, 

And  seemed  alone  this  skirmish  to  sustain, 
The  duke  his  brother  called  and  thus  he  spake, 
"  Go  with  thy  troop,  fight  for  thy  Saviour's  sake ; 

"  There  enter  in  where  hottest  is  the  fight, 
Thy  force  against  the  left  wing  strongly  bend." 
This  said,  so  brave  an  onset  gave  the  knight, 
That  many  a  Paynim  bold  there  made  his  end: 
The  Turks  too  weak  seemed  to  sustain  his  might, 
And  could  not  from  his  power  their  lives  defend, 
Their  ensigns  rent,  and  broke  was  their  array, 
And  men  and  horse  on  heaps  together  lay. 

O'erthrown  likewise  away  the  right  wing  ran, 

Nor  was  there  one  again  that  turned  his  face, 

Save  bold  Argantes,  else  fled  every  man, 

Fear  drove  them  thence  on  heaps,  with  headlong  chase: 

He  stayed  alone,  and  battle  new  began, 

Five  hundred  men,  weaponed  with  sword  and  mace, 

So  great  resistance  never  could  have  made, 

As  did  Argantes  with  his  single  blade: 


156  TASSO 

The  strokes  of  swords  and  thrusts  of  many  a  spear, 
The  shock  of  many  a  joust  he  long  sustained, 
He  seemed  of  strength  enough  this  charge  to  bear, 
And  time  to  strike,  now  here,  now  there,  he  gained, 
His  armors  broke,  his  members  bruised  were, 
He  sweat  and  bled,  yet  courage  still  he  feigned ; 
But  now  his  foes  upon  him  pressed  so  fast, 
That  with  their  weight  they  bore  him  back  at  last. 

His  back  against  this  storm  at  length  he  turned, 
Whose  headlong  fury  bore  him  backward  still, 
Not  like  to  one  that  fled,  but  one  that  mourned 
Because  he  did  his  foes  no  greater  ill, 
His  threatening  eyes  like  flaming  torches  burned, 
His  courage  thirsted  yet  more  blood  to  spill, 
And  every  way  and  every  mean  he  sought, 
To  stay  his  flying  mates,  but  all  for  naught. 

This  good  he  did,  while  thus  he  played  his  part, 

His  bands  and  troops  at  ease,  and  safe,  retired  ; 

Yet  coward  dread  lacks  order,  fear  wants  art, 

Deaf  to  attend,  commanded  or  desired. 

But  Godfrey  that  perceived  in  his  wise  heart, 

How  his  bold  knights  to  victory  aspired, 

Fresh  soldiers  sent,  to  make  more  quick  pursuit, 
And  help  to  gather  conquest's  precious  fruit. 

But  this,  alas,  was  not  the  appointed  day, 
Set  down  by  Heaven  to  end  this  mortal  war: 
The  western  lords  this  time  had  borne  away 
The  prize,  for  which  they  travelled  had  so  far, 
Had  not  the  devils,  that  saw  the  sure  decay 
Of  their  false  kingdom  by  this  bloody  war, 

At  once  made  heaven  and  earth  with  darkness  blind, 
And  stirred  up  tempests,  storms,  and  blustering  wind. 

Heaven's  glorious  lamp,  wrapped  in  an  ugly  veil 
Of  shadows  dark,  was  hid  from  mortal  eye, 
And  hell's  grim  blackness  did  bright  skies  assail; 
On  every  side  the  fiery  lightnings  fly, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  157 

The  thunders  roar,  the  streaming  rain  and  hail 
Pour  down  and  make  that  sea  which  erst  was  dry. 
The  tempests  rend  the  oaks  and  cedars  brake, 
And  make  not  trees  but  rocks  and  mountains  shake. 

The  rain,  the  lightning,  and  the  raging  wind, 
Beat  in  the  Frenchmen's  eyes  with  hideous  force, 
The  soldiers  stayed  amazed  in  heart  and  mind, 
The  terror  such  that  stopped  both  man  and  horse. 
Surprised  with  this  evil  no  way  they  find, 
.Whither  for  succor  to  direct  their  course, 
But  wise  Clorinda  soon  the  advantage  spied, 
And  spurring  forth  thus  to  her  soldiers  cried: 

"  You  hardy  men  at  arms  behold,"  quoth  she, 
"  How  Heaven,  how  Justice  in  our  aid  doth  fight, 
Our  visages  are  from  this  tempest  free, 
Our  hands  at  will  may  wield  our  weapons  bright, 
The  fury  of  this  friendly  storm  you  see 
Upon  the  foreheads  of  our  foes  doth  light, 
And  blinds  their  eyes,  then  let  us  take  the  tide, 
Come,  follow  me,  good  fortune  be  our  guide." 

This  said,  against  her  foes  on  rode  the  dame, 
And  turned  their  backs  against  the  wind  and  rain ; 
Upon  the  French  with  furious  rage  she  came, 
And  scorned  those  idle  blows  they  struck  in  vain ; 
Argantes  at  the  instant  did  the  same, 
And  them  who  chased  him  now  chased  again, 

Naught  but  his  fearful  back  each  Christian  shows 
Against  the  tempest,  and  against  their  blows. 

The  cruel  hail,  and  deadly  wounding  blade, 
Upon  their  shoulders  smote  them  as  they  fled, 
The  blood  new  spilt  while  thus  they  slaughter  made, 
The  water  fallen  from  skies  had  dyed  red, 
Among  the  murdered  bodies  Pyrrhus  laid, 
And  valiant  Raiphe  his  heart  blood  there  out  bled, 
The  first  subdued  by  strong  Argantes'  might, 
The  second  conquered  by  that  virgin  knight. 


158  TASSO 

Thus  fled  the  French,  and  then  pursued  in  chase 
The  wicked  sprites  and  all  the  Syrian  train : 
But  gainst  their  force  and  gainst  their  fell  menace 
Of  hail  and  wind,  of  tempest  and  of  rain, 
Godfrey  alone  turned  his  audacious  face, 
Blaming  his  barons  for  their  fear  so  vain, 
Himself  the  camp  gate  boldly  stood  to  keep, 
And  saved  his  men  within  his  trenches  deep. 

And  twice  upon  Argantes  proud  he  flew, 
And  beat  him  backward,  maugre  all  his  might, 
And  twice  his  thirsty  sword  he  did  imbrue, 
In  Pagan's  blood  where  thickest  was  the  fight; 
At  last  himself  with  all  his  folk  withdrew, 
And  that  day's  conquest  gave  the  virgin  bright, 
Which  got,  she  home  retired  and  all  her  men, 
And  thus  she  chased  this  lion  to  his  den. 

Yet  ceased  not  the  fury  and  the  ire 
Of  these  huge  storms,  of  wind,  of  rain  and  hail, 
Now  was  it  dark,  now  shone  the  lightning  fire, 
The  wind  and  water  every  place  assail, 
No  bank  was  safe,  no  rampire  left  entire, 
No  tent  could  stand,  when  beam  and  cordage  fail, 
Wind,  thunder,  rain,  all  gave  a  dreadful  sound, 
And  with  that  music  deafed  the  trembling  ground. 


EIGHTH  BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 

A  messenger  to  Godfrey  sage  doth  tell 
The  Prince  of  Denmark's  valour,  death  and  end: 
The  Italians,  trusting  signs  untrue  too  well, 
Think  their  Rinaldo  slain:  the  wicked  fiend 
Breeds  fury  in  their  breasts,  their  bosoms  swell 
With  ire  and  hate,  and  war  and  strife  forth  send: 
They  threaten  Godfrey;  he  prays  to  the  Lord, 
And  calms  their  fury  with  his  look  and  word. 

NOW  were  the  skies  of  storms  and  tempests  cleared. 
Lord  yEolus  shut  up  his  winds  in  hold, 
The  silver-mantled  morning  fresh  appeared, 
With  roses  crowned,  and  buskined  high  with  gold ; 
The  spirits  yet  which  had  these  tempests  reared, 
Their  malice  would  still  more  and  more  unfold ; 
And  one  of  them  that  Astragor  was  named, 
His  speeches  thus  to  foul  Alecto  framed. 

"  Alecto,  see,  we  could  not  stop  nor  stay 
The  knight  that  to  our  foes  new  tidings  brings, 
Who  from  the  hands  escaped,  with  life  away, 
Of  that  great  prince,  chief  of  all  Pagan  kings : 
He  comes,  the  fall  of  his  slain  lord  to  say, 
Of  death  and  loss  he  tells,  and  such  sad  things, 
Great  news  he  brings,  and  greatest  danger  is, 
Bertoldo's  son  shall  be  called  home  for  this. 

"  Thou  knowest  what  would  befall,  bestir  thee  than ; 

Prevent  with  craft,  what  force  could  not  withstand, 

Turn  to  their  evil  the  speeches  of  the  man, 

With  his  own  weapon  wound  Godfredo's  hand; 

Kindle  debate,  infect  with  poison  wan 

The  English,  Switzer,  and  Italian  band, 

Great  tumults  move,  make  brawls  and  quarrels  rife, 
Set  all  the  camp  on  uproar  and  at  strife. 
159 


160  TASSO 

"  This  act  beseems  thee  well,  and  of  the  deed 
Much  may'st  thou  boast  before  our  lord  and  king," 
Thus  said  the  sprite.     Persuasion  small  did  need, 
The  monster  grants  to  undertake  the  thing. 
Meanwhile  the  knight,  whose  coming  thus  they  dread, 
Before  the  camp  his  weary  limbs  doth  bring, 
And  well-nigh  breathless,  "  Warriors  bold,"  he  cried, 
"  Who  shall  conduct  me  to  your  famous  guide  ?  " 

An  hundred  strove  the  stranger's  guide  to  be, 
To  hearken  news  the  knights  by  heaps  assemble, 
The  man  fell  lowly  down  upon  his  knee, 
And  kissed  the  hand  that  made  proud  Babel  tremble ; 
"  Right  puissant  lord,  whose  valiant  acts,"  quoth  he, 
"  The  sands  and  stars  in  number  best  resemble, 
Would  God  some  gladder  news  I  might  unfold," 
And  there  he  paused,  and  sighed ;  then  thus  he  told : 

"  Sweno,  the  King  of  Denmark's  only  heir, 
The  stay  and  staff  of  his  declining  eild, 
Longed  to  be  among  these  squadrons  fair 
Who  for  Christ's  faith  here  serve  with  spear  and  shield ; 
No  weariness,  no  storms  of  sea  or  air, 
No  such  contents  as  crowns  and  sceptres  yield, 
No  dear  entreaties  of  so  kind  a  sire, 
Could  in  his  bosom  quench  that  glorious  fire. 

"  He  thirsted  sore  to  learn  this  warlike  art 
Of  thee,  great  lord  and  master  of  the  same ; 
And  was  ashamed  in  his  noble  heart, 
That  never  act  he  did  deserved  fame; 
Besides,  the  news  and  tidings  from  each  part 
Of  young  Rinaldo's  worth  and  praises  came : 

But  that  which  most  his  courage  stirred  hath, 

Is  zeal,  religion,  godliness,  and  faith. 

"  He  hasted  forward,  then  without  delay, 
And  with  him  took  of  knights  a  chosen  band, 
Directly  toward  Thrace  we  took  the  way, 
To  Byzance  old,  chief  fortress  of  that  land, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

There  the  Greek  monarch  gently  prayed  him  stay, 
And  there  an  herald  sent  from  you  we  fand, 
How  Antioch  was  won,  who  first  declared, 
And  how  defended  nobly  afterward. 

"  Defended  'gainst  Corbana,  valiant  knight, 
That  all  the  Persian  armies  had  to  guide, 
And  brought  so  many  soldiers  bold  to  fight, 
That  void  of  men  he  left  that  kingdom  wide; 
He  told  thine  acts,  thy  wisdom  and  thy  might, 
And  told  the  deeds  of  many  a  lord  beside, 

His  speech  at  length  to  young  Rinaldo  passed, 
And  told  his  great  achievements,  first  and  last: 

"  And  how  this  noble  camp  of  yours,  of  late 
Besieged  had  this  town,  and  in  what  sort, 
And  how  you  prayed  him  to  participate 
Of  the  last  conquest  of  this  noble  fort. 
In  hardy  Sweno  opened  was  the  gate 
Of  worthy  anger  by  this  brave  report, 
So  that  each  hour  seemed  five  years  long, 
Till  he  were  fighting  with  these  Pagans  strong. 

"  And  while  the  herald  told  your  fights  and  frays, 
Himself  of  cowardice  reproved  he  thought, 
And  him  to  stay  that  counsels  him,  or  prays, 
He  hears  not,  or,  else  heard,  regardeth  naught, 
He  fears  no  perils  but  whilst  he  delays, 
Lest  this  last  work  without  his  help  be  wrought: 
In  this  his  doubt,  in  this  his  danger  lies, 
No  hazard  else  he  fears,  no  peril  spies. 

"  Thus  hasting  on,  he  hasted  on  his  death, 
Death  that  to  him  and  us  was  fatal  guide. 
The  rising  morn  appeared  yet  aneath, 
When  he  and  we  were  armed,  and  fit  to  ride, 
The  nearest  way  seemed  best,  o'er  holt  and  heath 
We  went,  through  deserts  waste,  and  forests  wide, 
The  streets  and  ways  he  openeth  as  he  goes, 
And  sets  each  land  free  from  intruding  foes. 


TASSO 

"  Now  want  of  food,  now  dangerous  ways  we  find, 

Now  open  war,  now  ambush  closely  laid ; 

Yet  passed  we  forth,  all  perils  left  behind, 

Our  foes  or  dead  or  run  away  afraid, 

Of  victory  so  happy  blew  the  wind, 

That  careless  all  and  heedless  to  it  made: 

Until  one  day  his  tents  he  happed  to  rear, 

To  Palestine  when  we  approached  near. 

"  There  did  our  scouts  return  and  bring  us  news, 
That  dreadful  noise  of  horse  and  arms  they  hear, 
And  that  they  deemed  by  sundry  signs  and  shows 
There  was  some  mighty  host  of  Pagans  near. 
At  these  sad  tidings  many  changed  their  hues, 
Some  looked  pale  for  dread,  some  shook  for  fear, 
Only  our  noble  lord  was  altered  naught, 
In  look,  in  face,  in  gesture,  or  in  thought. 

"  But  said,  '  A  crown  prepare  you  to  possess 

Of  martyrdom,  or  happy  victory; 

For  this  I  hope,  for  that  I  wish  no  less, 

Of  greater  merit  and  of  greater  glory. 

Brethren,  this  camp  will  shortly  be,  I  guess, 

A  temple,  sacred  to  our  memory, 

To  which  the  holy  men  of  future  age, 

To  view  our  graves  shall  come  in  pilgrimage.' 

"  This  said,  he  set  the  watch  in  order  right 
To  guard  the  camp,  along  the  trenches  deep, 
And  as  he  armed  was,  so  every  knight 
He  willed  on  his  back  his  arms  to  keep. 
Now  had  the  stillness  of  the  quiet  night 
Drowned  all  the  world  in  silence  and  in  sleep, 
When  suddenly  we  heard  a  dreadful  sound, 
Which  deafed  the  earth,  and  tremble  made  the  ground. 

" '  Arm,  arm,'  they  cried ;  Prince  Sweno  at  the  same, 
Glistering  in  shining  steel  leaped  foremost  out, 
His  visage  shone,  his  noble  looks  did  flame, 
With  kindled  brand  of  courage  bold  and  stout, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  163 

When  lo,  the  Pagans  to  assault  us  came, 

And  with  huge  numbers  hemmed  us  round  about, 

A  forest  thick  of  spears  about  us  grew, 

And  over  us  a  cloud  of  arrows  flew : 

"  Uneven  the  fight,  unequal  was  the  fray, 

Our  enemies  were  twenty  men  to  one, 

On  every  side  the  slain  and  wounded  lay 

Unseen,  where  naught  but  glistering  weapons  shone: 

The  number  of  the  dead  could  no  man  say, 

So  was  the  place  with  darkness  overgone, 

The  night  her  mantle  black  upon  us  spreads, 

Hiding  our  losses  and  our  valiant  deeds. 

"  But  hardy  Sweno  midst  the  other  train, 
By  his  great  acts  was  well  descried  I  wot, 
No  darkness  could  his  valor's  daylight  stain, 
Such  wondrous  blows  on  every  side  he  smote; 
A  stream  of  blood,  a  bank  of  bodies  slain, 
About  him  made  a  bulwark  and  a  moat, 
And  when  soe'er  he  turned  his  fatal  brand, 
Dread  in  his  looks  and  death  sate  in  his  hand. 

"  Thus  fought  we  till  the  morning  bright  appeared, 

And  strewed  roses  on  the  azure  sky, 

But  when  her  lamp  had  night's  thick  darkness  cleared, 

Wherein  the  bodies  dead  did  buried  lie, 

Then  our  sad  cries  to  heaven  for  grief  we  reared, 

Our  loss  apparent  was,  for  we  descry 
How  all  our  camp  destroyed  was  almost, 
And  all  our  people  well-nigh  slain  and  lost ; 

"  Of  thousands  twain  an  hundred  scant  survived. 

When  Sweno  murdered  saw  each  valiant  knight, 

I  know  not  if  his  heart  in  sunder  rived 

For  dear  compassion  of  that  woful  sight ; 

He  showed  no  change,  but  said :  '  Since  so  deprived 

We  are  of  all  our  friends  by  chance  of  fight, 

Come  follow  them,  the  path  to  heaven  their  blood 
Marks  out,  now  angels  made,  of  martyrs  good.' 


164  TASSO 

"  This  said,  and  glad  I  think  of  death  at  hand, 
The  signs  of  heavenly  joy  shone  through  his  eyes, 
Of  Saracens  against  a  mighty  band, 
With  fearless  heart  and  constant  breast  he  flies ; 
No  steel  could  shield  them  from  his  cutting  brand, 
But  whom  he  hits  without  recure  he  dies, 
He  never  struck  but  felled  or  killed  his  foe, 
And  wounded  was  himself  from  top  to  toe. 

"  Not  strength,  but  courage  now,  preserved  on  live 
This  hardy  champion,  fortress  of  our  faith, 
Strucken  he  strikes,  still  stronger  more  they  strive, 
The  more  they  hurt  him,  more  he  doth  them  scathe, 
When  toward  him  a  furious  knight  gan  drive, 
Of  members  huge,  fierce  looks,  and  full  of  wrath, 
That  with  the  aid  of  many  a  Pagan  crew, 
After  long  fight,  at  last  Prince  Sweno  slew. 

"  Ah,  heavy  chance !  down  fell  the  valiant  youth, 
Nor  mongst  us  all  did  one  so  strong  appear 
As  to  revenge  his  death :  that  this  is  truth, 
By  his  dear  blood  and  noble  bones  I  swear, 
That  of  my  life  I  had  not  care  nor  ruth, 
No  wounds  I  shunned,  no  blows  I  would  off  bear, 
And  had  not  Heaven  my  wished  end  denied, 
Even  there  I  should,  and  willing  should,  have  died. 

"  Alive  I  fell  among  my  fellows  slain, 
Yet  wounded  so  that  each  one  thought  me  dead, 
Nor  what  our  foes  did  since  can  I  explain, 
So  sore  amazed  was  my  heart  and  head ; 
But  when  I  opened  first  mine  eyes  again, 
Night's  curtain  black  upon  the  earth  was  spread, 
And  through  the  darkness  to  my  feeble  sight, 
Appeared  the  twinkling  of  a  slender  light. 

"  Not  so  much  force  or  judgment  in  me  lies 
As  to  discern  things  seen  and  not  mistake, 
I  saw  like  them  who  ope  and  shut  their  eyes 
By  turns,  now  half  asleep,  now  half  awake; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  165 

My  body  eke  another  torment  tries, 

My  wounds  began  to  smart,  my  hurts  to  ache ; 

For  every  sore  each  member  pinched  was 

With  night's  sharp  air,  heaven's  frost  and  earth's  cold  grass. 

"  But  still  the  light  approached  near  and  near, 

And  with  the  same  a  whispering  murmur  run, 

Till  at  my  side  arrived  both  they  were, 

When  I  to  spread  my  feeble  eyes  begun: 

Two  men  behold  in  vestures  long  appear, 

With  each  a  lamp  in  hand,  who  said,  '  O  son 
In  that  dear  Lord  who  helps  his  servants,  trust, 
Who  ere  they  ask,  grants  all  things  to  the  just.' 

"  This  said,  each  one  his  sacred  blessing  flings 
Upon  my  corse,  with  broad  out-stretched  hand, 
And  mumbled  hymns  and  psalms  and  holy  things, 
Which  I  could  neither  hear  nor  understand ; 
'  Arise,'  quoth  they,  with  that  as  I  had  wings, 
All  whole  and  sound  I  leaped  up  from  the  land. 

Oh  miracle,  sweet,  gentle,  strange  and  true ! 

My  limbs  new  strength  received,  and  vigor  new. 

"  I  gazed  on  them  like  one  whose  heart  denieth 
To  think  that  done,  he  sees  so  strangely  wrought ; 
Till  one  said  thus,  '  O  thou  of  little  faith, 
What  doubts  perplex  thy  unbelieving  thought  ? 
Each  one  of  us  a  living  body  hath, 
We  are  Christ's  chosen  servants,  fear  us  naught, 

Who  to  avoid  the  world's  allurements  vain, 

In  wilful  penance,  hermits  poor  remain. 

"  '  Us  messengers  to  comfort  thee  elect 

That  Lord  hath  sent  that  rules  both  heaven  and  hell ; 

Who  often  doth  his  blessed  will  effect, 

By  such  weak  means,  as  wonder  is  to  tell; 

He  will  not  that  this  body  lie  neglect, 

Wherein  so  noble  soul  did  lately  dwell 

To  which  again  when  it  uprisen  is 

It  shall  united  be  in  lasting  bliss. 


166  TASSO 

"  '  I  say  Lord  Sweno's  corpse,  for  which  prepared 
A  tomb  there  is  according  to  his  worth, 
By  which  his  honor  shall  be  far  declared, 
And  his  just  praises  spread  from  south  to  north: 
But  lift  thine  eyes  up  to  the  heavens  ward, 
Mark  yonder  light  that  like  the  sun  shines  forth, 

That  shall  direct  thee  with  those  beams  so  clear, 

To  find  the  body  of  thy  master  dear.' 

"  With  that  I  saw  from  Cynthia's  silver  face, 
Like  to  a  falling  star  a  beam  down  slide, 
That  bright  as  golden  line  marked  out  the  place, 
And  lightened  with  clear  streams  the  forest  wide ; 
So  Latmos  shone  when  Phoebe  left  the  chase, 
And  laid  her  down  by  her  Endymion's  side, 
Such  was  the  light  that  well  discern  I  could, 
His  shape,  his  wounds,  his  face,  though  dead,  yet  bold. 

"  He  lay  not  grovelling  now,  but  as  a  knight 
That  ever  had  to  heavenly  things  desire, 
So  toward  heaven  the  prince  lay  bolt  upright, 
Like  him  that  upward  still  sought  to  aspire, 
His  right  hand  closed  held  his  weapon  bright, 
Ready  to  strike  and  execute  his  ire, 

His  left  upon  his  breast  was  humbly  laid, 

That  men  might  know,  that  while  he  died  he  prayed. 

"  Whilst  on  his  wounds  with  bootless  tears  I  wept, 
That  neither  helped  him,  nor  eased  my  care, 
One  of  those  aged  fathers  to  him  stepped, 
And  forced  his  hand  that  needless  weapon  spare : 
'  This  sword,'  quoth  he,  '  hath  yet  good  token  kept, 
That  of  the  Pagans'  blood  he  drunk  his  share, 
And  blusheth  still  he  could  not  save  his  lord, 
Rich,  strong  and  «harp,  was  never  better  sword. 

"  '  Heaven,  therefore,  will  not,  though  the  prince  be  slain, 
Who  used  erst  to  wield  this  precious  brand 
That  so  brave  blade  unused  should  remain  ; 
But  that  it  pass  from  strong  to  stronger  hand, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  167 

Who  with  like  force  can  wield  the  same  again, 

And  longer  shall  in  grace  of  fortune  stand, 
And  with  the  same  shall  bitter  vengeance  take 
On  him  that  Sweno  slew,  for  Sweno's  sake. 

"  '  Great  Solyman  killed  Sweno,  Solyman 
For  Sweno's  sake,  upon  this  sword  must  die. 
Here,  take  the  blade,  and  with  it  haste  thee  than 
Thither  where  Godfrey  doth  encamped  lie, 
Anc  fear  not  thou  that  any  shall  or  can 
Or  stop  thy  way,  or  lead  thy  steps  awry ; 

For  He  that  doth  thee  on  this  message  send, 
Thee  with  His  hand  shall  guide,  keep  and  defend. 

" '  Arrived  there  it  is  His  blessed  will, 
With  true  report  that  thou  declare  and  tell 
The  zeal,  the  strength,  the  courage  and  the  skill 
In  thy  beloved  lord  that  late  did  dwell, 
How  for  Christ's  sake  he  came  his  blood  to  spill, 
And  sample  left  to  all  of  doing  well, 
That  future  ages  may  admire  his  deed, 
And  courage  take  when  his  brave  end  they  read. 

" '  It  resteth  now,  thou  know  that  gentle  knight 
That  of  this  sword  shall  be  thy  master's  heir, 
It  is  Rinaldo  young,  with  whom  in  might 
And  martial  skill  no  champion  may  compare, 
Give  it  to"  him  and  say,  "  The  Heavens  bright 
Of  this  revenge  to  him  commit  the  care." ' 
While  thus  I  listened  what  this  old  man  said, 
A  wonder  new  from  further  speech  us  stayed ; 

"  For  there  whereas  the  wounded  body  lay, 
A  stately  tomb  with  curious  work,  behold, 
And  wondrous  art  was  built  out  of  the  clay, 
Which,  rising  round,  the  carcass  did  enfold; 
With  words  engraven  in  the  marble  gray, 
The  warrior's  name,  his  worth  and  praise  that  told, 

On  which  I  gazing  stood,  and  often  read 

That  epitaph  of  my  dear  master  dead. 


1 68  TASSO 

"  '  Among  his  soldiers/  quoth  the  hermit, '  here 
Must  Sweno's  corpse  remain  in  marble  chest, 
While  up  to  heaven  are  flown  their  spirits  dear, 
To  live  in  endless  joy  forever  blest, 
His  funeral  thou  hast  with  many  a  tear 
Accompanied,  it's  now  high  time  to  rest, 
Come  be  my  guest,  until  the  morning  ray 
Shall  light  the  world  again,  then  take  thy  way.' 

"  This  said,  he  led  me  over  holts  and  hags, 
Through  thorns  and  bushes  scant  my  legs  I  drew 
Till  underneath  a  heap  of  stones  and  crags 
At  last  he  brought  me  to  a  secret  mew ; 
Among  the  bears,  wild  boars,  the  wolves  and  stags, 
There  dwelt  he  safe  with  his  disciple  true, 
And  feared  no  treason,  force,  nor  hurt  at  all, 
His  guiltless  conscience  was  his  castle's  wall. 

"  My  supper  roots ;  my  bed  was  moss  and  leaves ; 
But  weariness  in  little  rest  found  ease: 
But  when  the  purple  morning  night  bereaves 
Of  late  usurped  rule  on  lands  and  seas, 
His  loathed  couch  each  wakeful  hermit  leaves, 
To  pray  rose  they,  and  I,  for  so  they  please, 
I  congee  took  when  ended  was  the  same, 
And  hitherward,  as  they  advised  me,  came." 

The  Dane  his  woful  tale  had  done,  when  thus 
The  good  Prince  Godfrey  answered  him,  "  Sir  knight, 
Thou  bringest  tidings  sad  and  dolorous, 
For  which  our  heavy  camp  laments  of  right, 
Since  so  brave  troops  and  so  dear  friends  to  us, 
One  hour  hath  spent,  in  one  unlucky  fight; 
And  so  appeared  hath  thy  master  stout, 
As  lightning  doth,  now  kindled,  now  quenched  out. 

"  But  such  a  death  and  end  exceedeth  all 
The  conquests  vain  of  realms,  or  spoils  of  gold, 
Nor  aged  Rome's  proud  stately  capital, 
Did  ever  triumph  yet  like  theirs  behold; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  169 

They  sit  in  heaven  on  thrones  celestial, 
Crowned  with  glory,  for  their  conquest  bold, 
Where  each  his  hurts  I  think  to  other  shows, 
And  glory  in  those  bloody  wounds  and  blows. 

"  But  thou  who  hast  part  of  thy  race  to  run, 
With  haps  and  hazards  of  this  world  ytost, 
Rejoice,  for  those  high  honors  they  have  won, 
Which  cannot  be  by  chance  or  fortune  crossed: 
But  for  thou  askest  for  Bertoldo's  son, 
Know,  that  he  wandereth,  banished  from  this  host, 
And  till  of  him  new  tidings  some  man  tell, 
Within  this  camp  I  deem  it  best  thou  dwell." 

These  words  of  theirs  in  many  a  soul  renewed 
The  sweet  remembrance  of  fair  Sophia's  child, 
Some  with  salt  tears  for  him  their  cheeks  bedewed, 
Lest  evil  betide  him  mongst  the  Pagans  wild, 
And  every  one  his  valiant  prowess  showed, 
And  of  his  battles  stories  long  compiled, 

Telling  the  Dane  his  acts  and  conquests  past, 
Which  made  his  ears  amazed,  his  heart  aghast. 

Now  when  remembrance  of  the  youth  had  wrought 
A  tender  pity  in  each  softened  mind, 
Behold  returned  home  with  all  they  caught 
The  bands  that  were  to  forage  late  assigned, 
And  with  them  in  abundance  great  they  brought 
Both  flocks  and  herds  of  every  sort  and  kind. 
And  corn,  although  not  much,  and  hay  to  feed 
Their  noble  steeds  and  coursers  when  they  need. 

They  also  brought  of  misadventure  sad 
Tokens  and  signs,  seemed  too  apparent  true, 
Rinaldo's  armor  frushed  and  hacked  they  had, 
Oft  pierced  through,  with  blood  besmeared  new; 
About  the  camp,  for  always  rumors  bad 
Are  farthest  spread,  these  woful  tidings  flew. 
Thither  assembled  straight  both  high  and  low, 
Longing  to  see  what  they  were  loth  to  know. 


1 70  TASSO 

His  heavy  hauberk  was  both  seen  and  known, 
And  his  broad  shield,  wherein  displayed  flies 
The  bird  that  proves  her  chickens  for  their  own 
By  looking  gainst  the  sun  with  open  eyes; 
That  shield  was  to  the  Pagans  often  shown, 
In  many  a  hard  and  hardy  enterprise, 

But  now  with  many  a  gash  and  many  a  stroke, 
They  see,  and  sigh  to  see  it,  frushed  and  broke. 

While  all  his  soldiers  whispered  under  hand, 
And  here  and  there  the  fault  and  cause  do  lay, 
Godfrey  before  him  called  Aliprand 
Captain  of  those  that  brought  of  late  this  prey» 
A  man  who  did  on  points  of  virtue  stand, 
Blameless  in  words,  and  true  whate'er  he  say, 

"  Say,"  quoth  the  duke,  "  where  you  this  armor  had, 
Hide  not  the  truth,  but  tell  it  good  or  bad." 

He  answered  him,  "  As  far  from  hence  think  I 
As  on  two  days  a  speedy  post  well  rideth, 
To  Gaza-ward  a  little  plain  doth  lie, 
Itself  among  the  steepy  hills  which  hideth, 
Through  it  slow  falling  from  the  mountains  high, 
A  rolling  brook  'twixt  bush  and  bramble  glideth, 

Clad  with  thick  shade  of  boughs  of  broad-leaved  treen, 
Fit  place  for  men  to  lie  in  wait  unseen. 

"  Thither,  to  seek  some  flocks  or  herds,  we  went 
Perchance  close  hid  under  the  green-wood  shaw, 
And  found  the  springing  grass  with  blood  besprent, 
A  warrior  tumbled  in  his  blood  we  saw, 
His  arms  though  dusty,  bloody,  hacked  and  rent, 
Yet  well  we  knew,  when  near  the  corse  we  draw ; 
To  which,  to  view  his  face,  in  vain  I  started, 
For  from  his  body  his  fair  head  was  parted; 

"  His  right  hand  wanted  eke,  with  many  a  wound 
The  trunk  through  pierced  was  from  back  to  breast, 
A  little  by,  his  empty  helm  we  found 
The  silver  eagle  shining  on  his  crest; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  171 

To  spy  at  whom  to  ask  we  gazed  round, 
A  churl  then  toward  us  his  steps  addressed, 

But  when  us  armed  by  the  corse  he  spied, 

He  ran  away  his  fearful  face  to  hide: 

"  But  we  pursued  him,  took  him,  spake  him  fair, 

Till  comforted  at  last  he  answer  made, 

How  that,  the  day  before,  he  saw  repair 

A  band  of  soldiers  from  that  forest  shade, 

Of  whom  one  carried  by  the  golden  hair 

A  head  but  late  cut  off  with  murdering  blade, 

The  face  was  fair  and  young,  and  on  the  chin 

No  sign  of  beard  to  bud  did  yet  begin. 

"  And  how  in  sindal  wrapt  away  he  bore 
That  head  with  him  hung  at  his  saddle-bow, 
And  how  the  murtherers  by  the  arms  they  wore, 
For  soldiers  of  our  camp  he  well  did  know ; 
The  carcass  I  disarmed  and  weeping  sore, 
Because  I  guessed  who  should  that  harness  owe, 
Away  I  brought  it,  but  first  order  gave, 
That  noble  body  should  be  laid  in  grave. 

"  But  if  it  be  his  trunk  whom  I  believe, 
A  nobler  tomb  his  worth  deserveth  well." 
This  said,  good  Aliprando  took  his  leave, 
Of  certain  troth  he  had  no  more  to  tell, 
Sore  sighed  the  duke,  so  did  these  news  him  grieve, 
Fears  in  his  heart,  doubts  in  his  bosom  dwell, 
He  yearned  to  know,  to  find  and  learn  the  truth, 
And  punish  would  them  that  had  slain  the  youth 

But  now  the  night  dispread  her  lazy  wings 
O'er  the  broad  fields  of  heaven's  bright  wilderness, 
Sleep,  the  soul's  rest,  and  ease  of  careful  things, 
Buried  in  happy  peace  both  more  and  less, 
Thou  Argillan  alone,  whom  sorrow  stings, 
Still  wakest,  musing  on  great  deeds  I  guess, 
Nor  sufferest  in  thy  watchful  eyes  to  creep 

The  sweet  repose  of  mild  and  gentle  sleep. 

Classics.     Vol.  35 — I 


17*  TASSO 

This  man  was  strong  of  limb,  and  all  his  'says 
Were  bold,  of  ready  tongue,  and  working  sprite, 
Near  Trento  born,  bred  up  in  brawls  and  frays, 
In  jars,  in  quarrels,  and  in  civil  fight, 
For  which  exiled,  the  hills  and  public  ways 
He  filled  with  blood,  and  robberies  day  and  night, 
Until  to  Asia's  wars  at  last  he  came, 
And  boldly  there  he  served,  and  purchased  fame. 

He  closed  his  eyes  at  last  when  day  drew  near 
Yet  slept  he  not,  but  senseless  lay  opprest 
With  strange  amazedness  and  sudden  fear 
Which  false  Alecto  breathed  in  his  breast, 
His  working  powers  within  deluded  were, 
Stone  still  he  quiet  lay,  yet  took  no  rest, 

For  to  his  thought  the  fiend  herself  presented, 
And  with  strange  visions  his  weak  brain  tormented. 

A  murdered  body  huge  beside  him  stood, 
Of  head  and  right  hand  both  but  lately  spoiled, 
His  left  hand  bore  the  head,  whose  visage  good, 
Both  pale  and  wan,  with  dust  and  gore  defoiled, 
Yet  spake,  though  dead,  with  whose  sad  words  the  blood 
Forth  at  his  lips  in  huge  abundance  boiled, 
"  Fly,  Argillan,  from  this  false  camp  fly  far, 
Whose  guide,  a  traitor;  captains,  murderers  are. 

"  Godfrey  hath  murdered  me  by  treason  vile, 
What  favor  then  hope  you  my  trusty  friends?    . 
His  villain  heart  is  full  of  fraud  and  guile, 
To  your  destruction  all  his  thoughts  he  bends, 
Yet  if  thou  thirst  of  praise  for  noble  stile, 
If  in  thy  strength  thou  trust,  thy  strength  that  ends 
All  hard  assays,  fly  not,  first  with  his  blood 
Appease  my  ghost  wandering  by  Lethe  flood; 

"  I  will  thy  weapon  whet,  inflame  thine  ire, 
Arm  thy  right  hand,  and  strengthen  every  part." 
This  said ;  even  while  she  spake  she  did  inspire 
With  fury,  rage,  and  wrath  his  troubled  heart: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  173 

The  man  awaked,  and  from  his  eyes  like  fire 
The  poisoned  sparks  of  headstrong  madness  start, 
And  armed  as  he  was,  forth  is  he  gone, 
And  gathered  all  the  Italian  bands  in  one. 

He  gathered  them  where  lay  the  arms  that  late 
Were  good  Rinaldo's;  then  with  semblance  stout 
And  furious  words  his  fore-conceived  hate 
In  bitter  speeches  thus  he  vomits  out; 
"  Is  not  this  people  barbarous  and  ingrate, 
In  whom  truth  finds  no  place,  faith  takes  no  rout? 
Whose  thirst  unquenched  is  of  blood  and  gold, 
Whom  no  yoke  boweth,  bridle  none  can  hold. 

"  So  much  we  suffered  have  these  seven  years  long, 

Under  this  servile  and  unworthy  yoke, 

That  thorough  Rome  and  Italy  our  wrong 

A  thousand  years  hereafter  shall  be  spoke: 

I  count  not  how  Cilicia's  kingdom  strong, 

Subdued  was  by  Prince  Tancredi's  stroke, 

Nor  how  false  Baldwin  him  that  land  bereaves 
Of  virtue's  harvest,  fraud  there  reaped  the  sheaves: 

"  Nor  speak  I  how  each  hour,  at  every  need, 
Quick,  ready,  resolute  at  all  assays, 
With  fire  and  sword  we  hasted  forth  with  speed, 
And  bore  the  brunt  of  all  their  fights  and  frays ; 
But  when  we  had  performed  and  done  the  deed, 
At  ease  and  leisure  they  divide  the  preys, 
We  reaped  naught  but  travel  for  our  toil, 
Theirs  was  the  praise,  the  realms,  the  gold,  the  spoil. 

"  Yet  all  this  season  were  we  willing  blind, 
Offended  unrevenged,  wronged  but  unwroken, 
Light  griefs  could  not  provoke  our  quiet  mind, 
But  now,  alas!  the  mortal  blow  is  stroken, 
Rinaldo  have  they  slain,  and  law  of  kind, 
Of  arms,  of  nations,  and  of  high  heaven  broken, 

Why  doth  not  heaven  kill  them  with  fire  and  thunder? 

To  swallow  them  why  cleaves  not  earth  asunder? 


174  TASSO 

"  They  have  Rinaldo  slain,  the  sword  and  shield 
Of  Christ's  true  faith,  and  unrevenged  he  lies; 
Still  unrevenged  lieth  in  the  field 
His  noble  corpse  to  feed  the  crows  and  pies: 
Who  murdered  him?  who  shall  us  certain  yield? 
Who  sees  not  that,  although  he  wanted  eyes? 
Who  knows  not  how  the  Italian  chivalry 
Proud  Godfrey  and  false  Baldwin  both  envy? 

"  What  need  we  further  proof  ?    Heaven,  heaven,  I  swear, 
Will  not  consent  herein  we  be  beguiled, 
This  night  I  saw  his  murdered  sprite  appear, 
Pale,  sad  and  wan,  with  wounds  and  blood  defiled, 
A  spectacle  full  both  of  grief  and  fear; 
Godfrey,  for  murdering  him,  the  ghost  reviled. 
I  saw  it  was  no  dream,  before  mine  eyes, 
Howe'er  I  look,  still,  still  methinks  it  flies. 

"  What  shall  we  do  ?  shall  we  be  governed  still 
By  this  false  hand,  contaminate  with  blood? 
Or  else  depart  and  travel  forth,  until 
To  Euphrates  we  come,  that  sacred  flood, 
Where  dwells  a  people  void  of  martial  skill, 
Whose  cities  rich,  whose  land  is  fat  and  good, 
Where  kingdoms  great  we  may  at  ease  provide, 
Far  from  these  Frenchmen's  malice,  from  their  pride; 

"  Then  let  us  go,  and  no  revengement  take 
For  this  brave  knight,  though  it  lie  in  our  power : 
No,  no,  that  courage  rather  newly  wake, 
Which  never  sleeps  in  fear  and  dread  one  hour, 
And  this  pestiferous  serpent,  poisoned  snake, 
Of  all  our  knights  that  hath  destroyed  the  flower, 
First  let  us  slay,  and  his  deserved  end 
Example  make  to  him  that  kills  his  friend. 

"  I  will,  I  will,  if  your  courageous  force, 
Dareth  so  much  as  it  can  well  perform, 
Tear  out  his  cursed  heart  without  remorse, 
The  nest  of  treason  false  and  guile  enorm.'1 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  175 

Thus  spake  the  angry  knight  with  headlong  course ; 

The  rest  him  followed  with  a  furious  storm, 

"  Arm,  arm,"  they  cried,  to  arms  the  soldiers  ran, 
And  as  they  run,  "  Arm,  arm,"  cried  every  man. 

'Mongst  them  Alecto  strowed  wasteful  fire, 
Envenoming  the  hearts  of  most  and  least, 
Folly,  disdain,  madness,  strife,  rancor,  ire, 
Thirst  to  shed  blood,  in  every  breast  increased, 
This  ill  spread  far,  and  till  it  set  on  fire 
With  rage  the  Italian  lodgings,  never  ceased, 

From  thence  unto  the  Switzers'  camp  it  went, 

And  last  infected  every  English  tent. 

Not  public  loss  of  their  beloved  knight, 

Alone  stirred  up  their  rage  and  wrath  untamed, 

But  fore-conceived  griefs,  and  quarrels  light, 

The  ire  still  nourished,  and  still  inflamed, 

Awaked  was  each  former  cause  of  spite, 

The  Frenchmen  cruel  and  unjust  they  named, 

And  with  bold  threats  they  made  their  hatred  known, 
Hate  seld  kept  close,  and  oft  unwisely  shown: 

Like  boiling  liquor  in  a  seething  pot, 
That  fumeth,  swelleth  high,  and  bubbleth  fast, 
Till  o'er  the  brims  among  the  embers  hot, 
Part  of  the  broth  and  of  the  scum  is  cast, 
Their  rage  and  wrath  those  few  appeased  not 
In  whom  of  wisdom  yet  remained  some  taste, 
Camillo,  William,  Tancred  were  away, 
And  all  whose  greatness  might  their  madness  stay. 

Now  headlong  ran  to  harness  in  this  heat 
These  furious  people,  all  on  heaps  confused, 
The  roaring  trumpets  battle  gan  to  threat, 
As  it  in  time  of  mortal  war  is  used, 
The  messengers  ran  to  God  f rede  great, 
And  bade  him  arm,  while  on  this  noise  he  mused, 
And  Baldwin  first  well  clad  in  iron  hard, 
Stepped  to  his  side,  a  sure  and  faithful  guard. 


TASSO 

Their  murmurs  heard,  to  heaven  he  lift  his  een, 

As  was  his  wont,  to  God  for  aid  he  fled ; 

"  O  Lord,  thou  knowest  this  right  hand  of  mine 

Abhorred  ever  civil  blood  to  shed, 

Illumine  their  dark  souls  with  light  divine, 

Repress  their  rage,  by  hellish  fury  bred, 

The  innocency  of  my  guiltless  mind 

Thou  knowest,  and  make  these  know,  with  fury  blind." 

'Tis  said  he  felt  infused  in  each  vein, 
A  sacred  heat  from  heaven  above  distilled, 
A  heat  in  man  that  courage  could  constrain, 
That  his  brave  look  with  awful  boldness  filled. 
Well  guarded  forth  he  went  to  meet  the  train 
Of  those  that  would  revenge  Rinaldo  killed ; 

And  though  their  threats  he  heard,  and  saw  them  bent 

To  arms  on  every  side,  yet  on  he  went. 

Above  his  hauberk  strong  a  coat  he  ware, 
Embroidered  fair  with  pearl  and  rich  stone, 
His  hands  were  naked,  and  his  face  was  bare, 
Wherein  a  lamp  of  majesty  bright  shone ; 
He  shook  his  golden  mace,  wherewith  he  dare 
Resist  the  force  of  his  rebellious  foe: 

Thus  he  appeared,  and  thus  he  gan  them  teach, 

In  shape  an  angel,  and  a  God  in  speech : 

"What  foolish  words?  what  threats  be  these  I  hear? 

What  noise  of  arms?  who  dares  these  tumults  move? 

Am  I  so  honored?  stand  you  so  in  fear? 

Where  is  your  late  obedience?  where  your  love? 

Of  Godfrey's  falsehood  who  can  witness  bear? 

Who  dare  or  will  these  accusations  prove? 
Perchance  you  iook  I  should  entreaties  bring, 
Sue  for  your  favors,  or  excuse  the  thing. 

"Ah,  God  forbid  these  lands  should  hear  or  see 
Him  so  disgraced  at  whose  great  name  they  quake; 
This  sceptre  and  my  noble  acts  for  me 
A  true  defence  before  the  world  can  make: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  177 

Yet  for  sharp  justice  governed  shall  be 
With  clemency,  I  will  no  vengeance  take 

For  this  offence,  but  for  Rinaldo's  love, 

I  pardon  you,  hereafter  wiser  prove. 

"  But  Argillano's  guilty  blood  shall  wash 

This  stain  away,  who  kindled  this  debate, 

And  led  by  hasty  rage  and  fury  rash, 

To  these  disorders  first  undid  the  gate ;  " 

While  thus  he  spoke,  the  lightning  beams  did  flash 

Out  of  his  eyes  of  majesty  and  state, 

That  Argillan, — who  would  have  thought  it? — shook 
For  fear  and  terror,  conquered  with  his  look. 

The  rest  with  indiscreet  and  foolish  wrath 
Who  threatened  late  with  words  of  shame  and  pride, 
Whose  hands  so  ready  were  to  harm  and  scath, 
And  brandished  bright  swords  on  every  side; 
Now  hushed  and  still  attend  what  Godfrey  saith, 
With  shame  and  fear  their  bashful  looks  they  hide, 
And  Argillan  they  let  in  chains  be  bound, 
Although  their  weapons  him  environed  round. 

So  when  a  lion  shakes  his  dreadful  mane, 
And  beats  his  tail  with  courage  proud  and  wroth, 
If  his  commander  come,  who  first  took  pain 
To  tame  his  youth,  his  lofty  crest  down  goeth, 
His  threats  he  feareth,  and  obeys  the  rein 
Of  thraldom  base,  and  serviceage,  though  loth, 
Nor  can  his  sharp  teeth  nor  his  armed  paws, 
Force  him  rebel  against  his  ruler's  laws. 

Fame  as  a  winged  warrior  they  beheld, 
With  semblant  fierce  and  furious  look  that  stood, 
And  in  his  left  hand  had  a  splendent  shield 
Wherewith  he  covered  safe  their  chieftain  good, 
His  other  hand  a  naked  sword  did  wield, 
From  which  distilling  fell  the  lukewarm  blood, 
The  blood  pardie  of  many  a  realm  and  town, 
Whereon  the  Lord  his  wrath  had  poured  down. 


1-jS  TASSO 

Thus  was  the  tumult,  without  bloodshed,  ended, 
Their  arms  laid  down,  strife  into  exile  sent, 
Godfrey  his  thoughts  to  greater  actions  bended, 
And  homeward  to  his  rich  pavilion  went, 
For  to  assault  the  fortress  he  intended 
Before  the  second  or  third  day  were  spent; 
Meanwhile  his  timber  wrought  he  oft  surveyed 
Whereof  his  ram  and  engines  great  he  made. 


NINTH   BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 

Alecto  false  great  Solyman  doth  move 
By  night  the  Christians  in  their  tents  to  Kill: 
But  God  who  their  intents  saw  from  above, 
Sends  Michael  down  from  his  sacred  hill: 
The  spirits  foul  to  hell  the  angels  drove; 
The  knights  delivered  from  the  witch,  at  will 
Destroy  the  Pagans,  scatter  all  their  host: 
The  Soldan  flies  when  all  his  bands  are  lost. 

THE  grisly  child  of  Erebus  the  grim, 
Who  saw  these  tumults  done  and  tempest  spent, 
'Gainst  stream  of  grace  who  ever  strove  to  swim 
And  all  her  thoughts  against  Heaven's  wisdom  bent, 
Departed  now,  bright  Titan's  beams  were  dim 
And  fruitful  lands  waxed  barren  as  she  went. 
She  sought  the  rest  of  her  infernal  crew, 
New  storms  to  raise,  new  broils,  and  tumults  new. 

She,  that  well  wist  her  sisters  had  enticed, 
By  their  false  arts,  far  from  the  Christian  host, 
Tancred,  Rinaldo,  and  the  rest,  best  prized 
For  martial  skill,  for  might  esteemed  most, 
Said,  of  these  discords  and  these  strifes  advised, 
"  Great  Solyman,  when  day  his  light  hath  lost, 
These  Christians  shall  assail  with  sudden  war, 
And  kill  them  all  while  thus  they  strive  and  jar." 

With  that  where  Solyman  remained  she  flew, 
And  found  him  out  with  his  Arabian  bands, 
Great  Solyman,  of  all  Christ's  foes  untrue, 
Boldest  of  courage,  mightiest  of  his  hands, 
Like  him  was  none  of  all  that  earth-bred  crew 
That  heaped  mountains  on  the  ^Emonian  sands, 
Of  Turks  he  sovereign  was,  and  Nice  his  seat, 
Where  late  he  dwelt,  and  ruled  that  kingdom  great. 
179 


TASSO 

The  lands  forenenst  the  Greekish  shore  he  held, 
From  Sangar's  mouth  to  crooked  Meander's  fall, 
Where  they  of  Phrygia,  Mysia,  Lydia  dwelled, 
Bithynia's  towns,  and  Pontus'  cities  all: 
But  when  the  hearts  of  Christian  princes  swelled, 
And  rose  in  arms  to  make  proud  Asia  thrall, 

Those  lands  were  won  where  he  did  sceptre  wield, 

And  he  twice  beaten  was  in  pitched  field. 

When  Fortune  oft  he  had  in  vain  assayed, 

And  spent  his  forces,  which  availed  him  naught, 

To  Egypt's  king  himself  he  close  conveyed, 

Who  welcomed  him  as  he  could  best  have  thought, 

Glad  in  his  heart,  and  inly  well  apayed, 

That  to  his  court  so  great  a  lord  was  brought : 

For  he  decreed  his  armies  huge  to  bring 

To  succor  Juda  land  and  Juda's  king. 

But,  ere  he  open  war  proclaimed,  he  would 
That  Solyman  should  kindle  first  the  fire, 
And  with  huge  sums  of  false  enticing  gold 
The  Arabian  thieves  he  sent  him  forth  to  hire, 
While  he  the  Asian  lords  and  Morians  bold 
Unites ;  the  Soldan  won  to  his  desire 

Those  outlaws,  ready  aye  for  gold  to  fight, 
The  hope  of  gain  hath  such  alluring  might. 

Thus  made  their  captain  to  destroy  and  burn, 

In  Juda  land  he  entered  is  so  far, 

That  all  the  ways  whereby  he  should  return 

By  Godfrey's  people  kept  and  stopped  are, 

And  now  he  gan  his  former  losses  mourn, 

This  wound  had  hit  him  on  an  elder  scar, 
On  great  adventures  ran  his  hardy  thought, 
But  naught  assured,  he  yet  resolved  on  naught. 

To  him  Alecto  came,  and  semblant  bore 
Of  one  whose  age  was  great,  whose  looks  were  grave, 
Whose  cheeks  were  bloodless,  and  whose  locks  were  hoar, 
Mustaches  strouting  long  and  chin  close  shave, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  181 

A  steepled  turban  on  her  head  she  wore, 
Her  garment  wide,  and  by  her  side,  her  glaive, 
Her  gilden  quiver  at  her  shoulders  hung, 
And  in  her  hand  a  bow  was,  stiff  and  strong. 

"  We  have,"  quoth  she,  "  through  wildernesses  gone, 
Through  sterile  sands,  strange  paths,  and  uncouth  ways, 
Yet  spoil  or  booty  have  we  gotten  none, 
Nor  victory  deserving  fame  or  praise, 
Godfrey  meanwhile  to  ruin  stick  and  stone 
Of  this  fair  town,  with  battery  sore  assays; 
And  if  awhile  we  rest,  we  shall  behold 
This  glorious  city  smoking  lie  in  mould. 

"  Are  sheep-cotes  burnt,  or  preys  of  sheep  or  kine, 

The  cause  why  Solyman  these  bands  did  arm? 

Canst  thou  that  kingdom  lately  lost  of  thine 

Recover  thus,  or  thus  redress  thy  harm? 

No,  no,  when  heaven's  small  candles  next  shall  shine, 

Within  their  tents  give  them  a  bold  alarm ; 
Believe  Araspes  old,  whose  grave  advice 
Thou  hast  in  exile  proved,  and  proved  in  Nice. 

"  He  feareth  naught,  he  doubts  no  sudden  broil 
From  these  ill-armed  and  worse-hearted  bands, 
He  thinks  this  people,  used  to  rob  and  spoil, 
To  such  exploit  dares  not  lift  up  their  hands; 
Up  then  and  with  thy  courage  put  to  foil 
This  fearless  camp,  while  thus  secure  it  stands." 
This  said,  her  poison  in  his  breast  she  hides, 
And  then  to  shapeless  air  unseen  she  glides. 

The  Soldan  cried,  "  O  thou  which  in  my  thought 
Increased  hast  my  rage  and  fury  so, 
Nor  seem'st  a  wight  of  mortal  metal  wrought, 
I  follow  thee,  whereso  thee  list  to  go, 
Mountains  of  men  by  dint  of  sword  down  brought 
Thou  shalt  behold,  and  seas  of  red  blood  flow 
Where'er  I  go ;  only  be  thou  my  guide 
When  sable  night  the  azure  skies  shall  hide.'* 


TASSO 

When  this  was  said,  he  mustered  all  his  crew, 
Reproved  the  cowards,  and  allowed  the  bold: 
His  forward  camp,  inspired  with  courage  new, 
Was  ready  dight  to  follow  where  he  would: 
Alecto's  self  the  warning  trumpet  blew 
And  to  the  wind  his  standard  great  unrolled, 
Thus  on  they  marched,  and  thus  on  they  went, 
Of  their  approach  their  speed  the  news  prevent. 

Alecto  left  them,  and  her  person  dight 
Like  one  that  came  some  tidings  new  to  tell : 
It  was  the  time,  when  first  the  rising  night 
Her  sparkling  diamonds  poureth  forth  to  sell, 
When,  into  Sion  come,  she  marched  right 
Where  Juda's  aged  tyrant  used  to  dwell, 
To  whom  of  Solyman's  designment  bold, 
The  place,  the  manner,  and  the  time  she  told. 

Their  mantle  dark,  the  grisly  shadows  spread, 
Stained  with  spots  of  deepest  sanguine  hue, 
Warm  drops  of  blood,  on  earth's  black  visage  shed, 
Supplied  the  place  of  pure  and  precious  dew, 
The  moon  and  stars  for  fear  of  sprites  were  fled, 
The  shrieking  goblins  eachwhere  howling  flew, 
The  furies  roar,  the  ghosts  and  fairies  yell, 
The  earth  was  filled  with  devils,  and  empty  hell. 

The  Soldan  fierce,  through  all  this  horror,  went 
Toward  the  camp  of  his  redoubted  foes, 
The  night  was  more  than  half  consumed  and  spent ; 
Now  headlong  down  the  western  hill  she  goes, 
When  distant  scant  a  mile  from  Godfrey's  tent 
He  let  his  people  there  awhile  repose, 

And  victualled  them,  and  then  he  boldly  spoke 
These  words  which  rage  and  courage  might  provoke : 

"  See  there  a  camp,  full  stuffed  of  spoils  and  preys, 
Not  half  so  strong  as  false  report  recordeth ; 
See  there  the  storehouse,  where  their  captain  lays 
Our  treasures  stolen,  where  Asia's  wealth  he  hoardeth ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  183 

'Now  chance  the  ball  unto  our  racket  plays, 
Take  then  the  vantage  which  good  luck  affordeth, 
For  all  their  arms,  their  horses,  gold  and  treasure 
Are  ours,  ours  without  loss,  harm  or  displeasure. 

"  Nor  is  this  camp  that  great  victorious  host 
That  slew  the  Persian  lords,  and  Nice  hath  won: 
For  those  in  this  long  war  are  spent  and  lost, 
These  are  the  dregs,  the  wine  is  all  outrun, 
And  these  few  left,  are  drowned  and  dead  almost 
In  heavy  sleep,  the  labor  half  is  done 

To  send  them  headlong  to  Avernus  deep, 

For  little  differs  death  and  heavy  sleep. 

"  Come,  come,  this  sword  the  passage  open  shall 
Into  their  camp,  and  on  their  bodies  slain 
We  will  pass  o'er  their  rampire  and  their  wall; 
This  blade,  as  scythes  cut  down  the  fields  of  grain, 
Shall  cut  them  so,  Christ's  kingdom  now  shall  fall, 
Asia  her  freedom,  you  shall  praise  obtain." 
Thus  he  inflamed  his  soldiers  to  the  fight, 
And  led  them  on  through  silence  of  the  night. 

The  sentinel  by  starlight,  lo,  descried 
This  mighty  Soldan  and  his  host  draw  near, 
Who  found  not  as  he  hoped  the  Christians'  guide 
Unware,  ne  yet  unready  was  his  gear: 
The  scouts,  when  this  huge  army  they  descried, 
Ran  back,  and  gan  with  shouts  the  'larum  rear; 
The  watch  stert  up  and  drew  their  weapons  bright, 
And  busked  them  bold  to  battle  and  to  fight. 

The  Arabians  wist  they  could  not  come  unseen, 
And  therefore  loud  their  jarring  trumpets  sound, 
Their  yelling  cries  to  heaven  upheaved  been, 
The  horses  thundered  on  the  solid  ground, 
The  mountains  roared,  and  the  valley  green, 
The  echoes  sighed  from  the  caves  around, 
Alecto  with  her  brand,  kindled  in  hell, 
Tokened  to  them  in  David's  tower  that  dwell. 


1 84  TASSO 

Before  the  rest  forth  pricked  the  Soldan  fast, 

Against  the  watch,  not  yet  in  order  just, 

As  swift  as  hideous  Boreas'  hasty  blast 

From  hollow  rocks  when  first  his  storms  outburst, 

The  raging  floods,  that  trees  and  rocks  down  cast, 

Thunders,  that  towns  and  towers  drive  to  dust : 

Earthquakes,  to  tear  the  world  in  twain  that  threat, 
Are  naught,  compared  to  his  fury  great. 

He  struck  no  blow,  but  that  his  foe  he  hit; 
And  never  hit,  but  made  a  grievous  wound: 
And  never  wounded,  but  death  followed  it; 
And  yet  no  peril,  hurt  or  harm  he  found, 
No  weapon  on  his  hardened  helmet  bit, 
No  puissant  stroke  his  senses  once  astound, 
Yet  like  a  bell  his  tinkling  helmet  rung, 
And  thence  flew  flames  of  fire  and  sparks  among. 

Himself  well  nigh  had  put  the  watch  to  flight, 
A  jolly  troop  of  Frenchmen  strong  and  stout, 
When  his  Arabians  came  by  heaps  to  fight, 
Covering,  like  raging  floods,  the  fields  about; 
The  beaten  Christians  run  away  full  light, 
The  Pagans,  mingled  with  the  flying  rout, 
Entered  their  camp,  and  filled,  as  they  stood, 
Their  tents  with  ruin,  slaughter,  death  and  blood. 

High  on  the  Soldan's  helm  enamelled  laid 
An  hideous  dragon,  armed  with  many  a  scale, 
With  iron  paws,  and  leathern  wings  displayed, 
Which  twisted  on  a  knot  her  forked  tail, 
With  triple  tongue  it  seemed  she  hissed  and  brayed, 
About  her  jaws  the  froth  and  venom  trail, 
And  as  he  stirred,  and  as  his  foes  him  hit, 
So  flames  to  cast  and  fire  she  seemed  to  spit. 

With  this  strange  light,  the  Soldan  fierce  appeared 
Dreadful  to  those  that  round  about  him  been, 
As  to  poor  sailors,  when  huge  storms  are  reared, 
With  lightning  flash  the  raging  seas  are  seen; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  185 

Some  fled  away,  because  his  strength  they  feared, 
Some  bolder  gainst  him  bent  their  weapons  keen, 
And  forward  night,  in  evils  and  mischiefs  pleased, 
Their  dangers  hid,  and  dangers  still  increased. 

Among  the  rest  that  strove  to  merit  praise, 
Was  old  Latinus,  born  by  Tiber's  bank, 
To  whose  stout  heart  in  fights  and  bloody  frays, 
For  all  his  eild,  base  fear  yet  never  sank; 
Five  sons  he  had,  the  comforts  of  his  days, 
That  from  his  side  in  no  adventure  shrank, 
But  long  before  their  time,  in  iron  strong 
They  clad  their  members,  tender,  soft  and  young. 

The  bold  ensample  of  their  father's  might 
Their  weapons  whetted  and  their  wrath  increased, 
"  Come  let  us  go,"  quoth  he,  "  where  yonder  knight 
Upon  our  soldiers  makes  his  bloody  feast, 
Let  not  their  slaughter  once  your  hearts  affright, 
Where  danger  most  appears,  there  fear  it  least, 
For  honor  dwells  in  hard  attempts,  my  sons, 
And  greatest  praise,  in  greatest  peril,  wons." 

Her  tender  brood  the  forest's  savage  queen, 
Ere  on  their  crests  their  rugged  manes  appear, 
Before  their  mouths  by  nature  armed  been, 
Or  paws  have  strength  a  silly  lamb  to  tear, 
So  leadeth  forth  to  prey,  and  makes  them  keen, 
And  learns  by  her  ensample  naught  to  fear 
The  hunter,  in  those  desert  woods  that  takes 
The  lesser  beasts  whereon  his  feast  he  makes. 

The  noble  father  and  his  hardy  crew 

Fierce  Solyman  on  every  side  invade, 

At  once  all  six  upon  the  Soldan  flew, 

With  lances  sharp,  and  strong  encounters  made, 

His  broken  spear  the  eldest  boy  down  threw, 

And  boldly,  over-boldly,  drew  his  blade, 

Wherewith  he  strove,  but  strove  therewith  in  vain, 
The  Pagan's  steed,  unmarked,  to  have  slain. 


i86  TASSO 

But  as  a  mountain  or  a  cape  of  land 
Assailed  with  storms  and  seas  on  every  side, 
Doth  unremoved,  steadfast,  still  withstand 
Storm,  thunder,  lightning,  tempest,  wind  and  tide: 
The  Soldan  so  withstood  Latinus'  band, 
And  unremoved  did  all  their  justs  abide, 

And  of  that  hapless  youth,  who  hurt  his  steed, 
Down  to  the  chin  he  cleft  in  twain  the  head. 

Kind  Aramante,  who  saw  his  brother  slain, 
To  hold  him  up  stretched  forth  his  friendly  arm, 
Oh  foolish  kindness,  and  oh  pity  vain, 
To  add  our  proper  loss,  to  other's  harm ! 
The  prince  let  fall  his  sword,  and  cut  in  twain 
About  his  brother  twined,  the  child's  weak  arm, 
Down  from  their  saddles  both  together  slide, 
Together  mourned  they,  and  together  died. 

That  done,  Sabino's  lance  with  nimble  force 
He  cut  in  twain,  and  'gainst  the  stripling  bold 
He  spurred  his  steed,  that  underneath  his  horse 
The  hardy  infant  tumbled  on  the  mould, 
Whose  soul,  out  squeezed  from  his  bruised  corpse, 
With  ugly  painfulness  forsook  her  hold, 
And  deeply  mourned  that  of  so  sweet  a  cage 
She  left  the  bliss,  and  joys  of  youthful  age. 

But  Picus  yet  and  Lawrence  were  on  live, 
Whom  at  one  birth  their  mother  fair  brought?  O'ut, 
A  pair  whose  likeness  made  the  parents  strive 
Oft  which  was  which,  and  joyed  in  their  doubt: 
But  what  their  birth  did  undistinguished  give, 
The  Soldan's  rage  made  known,  for  Picus  stout 
Headless  at  one  huge  blow  he  laid  in  dust, 
And  through  the  breast  his  gentle  brother  thrust. 

Their  father,  but  no  father  now,  alas ! 
When  all  his  noble  sons  at  once  were  slain, 
In  their  five  deaths  so  often  murdered  was, 
I  know  not  how  his  life  could  him  sustain, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  187 

Except  his  heart  were  forged  of  steel  or  brass, 
Yet  still  he  lived,  pardie,  he  saw  not  plain 

Their  dying  looks,  although  their  deaths  he  knows, 

It  is  some  ease  not  to  behold  our  woes. 

He  wept  not,  for  the  night  her  curtain  spread 
Between  his  cause  of  weeping  and  his  eyes, 
But  still  he  mourned  and  on  sharp  vengeance  fed, 
And  thinks  he  conquers,  if  revenged  he  dies ; 
He  thirsts  the  Soldan's  heathenish  blood  to  shed, 
And  yet  his  own  at  less  than  naught  doth  prize, 

Nor  can  he  tell  whether  he  liefer  would, 

Or  die  himself,  or  kill  the  Pagan  bold. 

At  last,  "  Is  this  right  hand,"  quoth  he,  "  so  weak, 
That  thou  disdain'st  gainst  me  to  use  thy  might? 
Can  it  naught  do?  can  this  tongue  nothing  speak 
That  may  provoke  thine  ire,  thy  wrath  and  spite  ?  " 
With  that  he  struck,  his  anger  great  to  wreak, 
A  blow,  that  pierced  the  mail  and  metal  bright, 
And  in  his  flank  set  ope  a  floodgate  wide, 
Whereat  the  blood  out  streamed  from  his  side. 

Provoked  with  his  cry,  and  with  that  blow, 

The  Turk  upon  him  gan  his  blade  discharge, 

He  cleft  his  breastplate,  having  first  pierced  through, 

Lined  with  seven  bulls'  hides,  his  mighty  targe, 

And  sheathed  his  weapons  in  his  guts  below ; 

Wretched  Latinus  at  that  issue  large, 

And  at  his  mouth,  poured  out  his  vital  blood, 
And  sprinkled  with  the  same  his  murdered  brood. 

On  Apennine  like  as  a  sturdy  tree, 

Against  the  winds  that  makes  resistance  stout, 

If  with  a  storm  it  overturned  be, 

Falls  down  and  breaks  the  trees  and  plants  about; 

So  Latine  fell,  and  with  him  felled  he 

And  slew  the  nearest  of  the  Pagans'  rout, 
A  worthy  end,  fit  for  a  man  of  fame, 
That  dying,  slew;  and  conquered,  overcame. 


i88  TASSO 

Meanwhile  the  Soldan  strove  his  rage  interne 
To  satisfy  with  blood  of  Christians  spilled, 
The  Arabians  heartened  by  their  captain  stern, 
With  murder  every  tent  and  cabin  filled, 
Henry  the  English  knight,  and  Olipherne, 
O  fierce  Draguto,  by  thy  hands  were  killed! 
Gilbert  and  Philip  were  by  Ariadene 
Both  slain,  both  born  upon  the  banks  of  Rhene. 

Albazar  with  his  mace  Ernesto  slew, 
Under  Algazel  Engerlan  down  fell, 
But  the  huge  murder  of  the  meaner  crew, 
Or  manner  of  their  deaths,  what  tongue  can  tell? 
Godfrey,  when  first  the  heathen  trumpets  blew, 
Awaked,  which  heard,  no  fear  could  make  him  dwell, 
But  he  and  his  were  up  and  armed  ere  long, 
And  marched  forward  with  a  squadron  strong. 

He  that  well  heard  the  rumor  and  the  cry, 

And  marked  the  tumult  still  grow  more  and  more, 

The  Arabian  thieves  he  judged  by  and  by 

Against  his  soldiers  made  this  battle  sore; 

For  that  they  forayed  all  the  countries  nigh, 

And  spoiled  the  fields,  the  duke  knew  well  before, 

Yet  thought  he  not  they  had  the  hardiment 

So  to  assail  him  in  his  armed  tent. 

All  suddenly  he  heard,  while  on  he  went, 
How  to  the  city-ward,  "  Arm,  arm !  "  they  cried, 
The  noise  upreared  to  the  firmament, 
With  dreadful  howling  filled  the  valleys  wide: 
This  was  Clorinda,  whom  the  king  forth  sent 
To  battle,  and  Argantes  by  her  side. 

The  duke,  this  heard,  to  Guelpho  turned,  and  prayed 
Him  his  lieutenant  be,  and  to  him  said : 

"  You  hear  this  new  alarm  from  yonder  part, 
That  from  the  town  breaks  out  with  so  much  rage, 
Us  needeth  much  your  valor  and  your  art 
To  calm  their  fury,  and  their  heat  to  'suage ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  189 

Go  thither  then,  and  with  you  take  some  part 

Of  these  brave  soldiers  of  mine  equipage, 

While  with  the  residue  of  my  champions  bold 
I  drive  these  wolves  again  out  of  our  fold." 

They  parted,  this  agreed  on  them  between, 

By  divers  paths,  Lord  Guelpho  to  the  hill, 

And  Godfrey  hasted  where  the  Arabians  keen 

His  men  like  silly  sheep  destroy  and  kill; 

But  as  he  went  his  troops  increased  been, 

From  every  part  the  people  flocked  still, 
That  now  grown  strong  enough,  he  'proached  nigh 
Where  the  fierce  Turk  caused  many  a  Christian  die. 

So  from  the  top  of  Vesulus  the  cold, 
Down  to  the  sandy  valleys,  tumbleth  Po, 
Whose  streams  the  further  from  the  fountain  rolled 
Still  stronger  wax,  and  with  more  puissance  go; 
And  horned  like  a  bull  his  forehead  bold 
He  lifts,  and  o'er  his  broken  banks  doth  flow, 
And  with  his  horns  to  pierce  the  sea  assays, 
To  which  he  proffereth  war,  not  tribute  pays. 

The  duke  his  men  fast  flying  did  espy, 
And  thither  ran,  and  thus,  displeased,  spake, 
*'  What  fear  is  this  ?    Oh,  whither  do  you  fly  ? 
See  who  they  be  that  this  pursuit  do  make, 
A  heartless  band,  that  dare  no  battle  try, 
Who  wounds  before  dare  neither  give  nor  take, 

Against  them  turn  your  stern  eye's  threatening  sight, 
An  angry  look  will  put  them  all  to  flight." 

This  said,  he  spurred  forth  where  Solyman 
Destroyed  Christ's  vineyard  like  a  savage  boar, 
Through  streams  of  blood,  through  dust  and  dirt  he  ran, 
O'er  heaps  of  bodies  wallowing  in  their  gore, 
The  squadrons  close  his  sword  to  ope  began, 
He  broke  their  ranks,  behind,  beside,  before, 

And,  where  he  goes,  under  his  feet  he  treads 

The  armed  Saracens,  and  barbed  steeds. 


1 9o  TASSO 

This  slaughter-house  of  angry  Mars  he  passed, 
Where  thousands  dead,  half-dead,  and  dying  were. 
The  hardy  Soldan  saw  him  come  in  haste, 
Yet  neither  stepped  aside  nor  shrunk  for  fear, 
But  busked  him  bold  to  fight,  aloft  he  cast 
His  blade,  prepared  to  strike,  and  stepped  near, 
These  noble  princes  twain,  so  Fortune  wrought, 
From  the  world's  end  here  met,  and  here  they  fought 

With  virtue,  fury;  strength  with  courage  strove, 

For  Asia's  mighty  empire,  who  can  tell 

With  how  strange  force  their  cruel  blows  they  drove? 

How  sore  their  combat  was?  how  fierce,  how  fell? 

Great  deeds  they  wrought,  each  other's  harness  clove; 

Yet  still  in  darkness,  more  the  ruth,  they  dwell. 
The  night  their  acts  her  black  veil  covered  under, 
Their  acts  whereat  the  sun,  the  world  might  wonde 

The  Christians  by  their  guide's  ensample  hearted, 
Of  their  best  armed  made  a  squadron  strong, 
And  to  defend  their  chieftain  forth  they  started: 
The  Pagans  also  saved  their  knight  from  wrong, 
Fortune  her  favors  twixt  them  evenly  parted, 
Fierce  was  the  encounter,  bloody,  doubtful,  long; 

These  won,  those  lost;  these  lost,  those  won  again; 

The  loss  was  equal,  even  the  numbers  slain. 

With  equal  rage,  as  when  the  southern  wind, 
Meeteth  in  battle  strong  the  northern  blast, 
The  sea  and  air  to  neither  is  resigned, 
But  cloud  gainst  cloud,  and  wave  gainst  wave  they  ca 
So  from  this  skirmish  neither  part  declined, 
But  fought  it  out,  and  kept  their  footings  fast, 
And  oft  with  furious  shock  together  rush, 
And  shield  gainst  shield,  and  helm  gainst  helm  they  cru 

The  battle  eke  to  Sionward  grew  hot, 
The  soldiers  slain,  the  hardy  knights  were  killed, 
Legions  of  sprites  from  Limbo's  prisons  got, 
The  empty  air,  the  hills  and  valleys  filled, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  191 

Hearting  the  Pagans  that  they  shrinked  not, 
Till  where  they  stood  their  dearest  blood  they  spilled ; 
And  with  new  rage  Argantes  they  inspire, 
Whose  heat  no  flames,  whose  burning  need  no  fire. 

Where  he  came  in  he  put  to  shameful  flight 
The  fearful  watch,  and  o'er  the  trenches  leaped, 
Even  with  the  ground  he  made  the  rampire's  height, 
And  murdered  bodies  in  the  ditch  unheaped, 
So  that  his  greedy  mates  with  labor  light, 
Amid  the  tents,  a  bloody  harvest  reaped: 

Clorinda  went  the  proud  Circassian  by, 

So  from  a  piece  two  chained  bullets  fly. 

Now  fled  the  Frenchmen,  when  in  lucky  hour 
Arrived  Guelpho,  and  his  helping  band, 
He  made  them  turn  against  this  stormy  shower, 
And  with  bold  face  their  wicked  foes  withstand. 
Sternly  they  fought,  that  from  their  wounds  downpour 
The  streams  of  blood  and  run  on  either  hand : 
The  Lord  of  heaven  meanwhile  upon  this  fight, 
From  his  high  throne  bent  down  his  gracious  sight. 

From  whence  with  grace  and  goodness  compassed  round, 
He  ruleth,  blesseth,  keepeth  all  he  wrought, 
Above  the  air,  the  fire,  the  sea  and  ground, 
Our  sense,  our  wit,  our  reason  and  our  thought, 
Where  persons  three,  with  power  and  glory  crowned, 
Are  all  one  God,  who  made  all  things  of  naught, 
Under  whose  feet,  subjected  to  his  grace, 
Sit  nature,  fortune,  motion,  time  and  place. 

This  is  the  place,  from  whence  like  smoke  and  dust 
Of  this  frail  world  the  wealth,  the  pomp  and  power, 
He  tosseth,  tumbleth,  turneth  as  he  lust, 
And  guides  our  life,  our  death,  our  end  and  hour: 
No  eye,  however  virtuous,  pure  and  just, 
Can  view  the  brightness  of  that  glorious  bower, 
On  every  side  the  blessed  spirits  be, 
Equal  in  joys,  though  differing  in  degree. 


TASSO 

With  harmony  of  their  celestial  song 

The  palace  echoed  from  the  chambers  pure, 

At  last  he  Michael  called,  in  harness  strong 

Of  never  yielding  diamonds  armed  sure, 

"  Behold,"  quoth  he,  "to  do  despite  and  wrong 

To  that  dear  flock  my  mercy  hath  in  cure, 

How  Satan  from  hell's  loathsome  prison  sends 
His  ghosts,  his  sprites,  his  furies  and  his  fiends. 

"  Go  bid  them  all  depart,  and  leave  the  care 
Of  war  to  soldiers,  as  doth  best  pertain: 
Bid  them  forbear  to  infect  the  earth  and  air; 
To  darken  heaven's  fair  light,  bid  them  refrain; 
Bid  them  to  Acheron's  black  flood  repair, 
Fit  house  for  them,  the  house  of  grief  and  pain : 
There  let  their  king  himself  and  them  torment, 
So  I  command,  go  tell  them  mine  intent." 

This  said,  the  winged  warrior  low  inclined 
At  his  Creator's  feet  with  reverence  due; 
Then  spread  his  golden  feathers  to  the  wind, 
And  swift  as  thought  away  the  angel  flew, 
He  passed  the  light,  and  shining  fire  assigned 
The  glorious  seat  of  his  selected  crew, 
The  mover  first,  and  circle  crystalline, 
The  firmament,  where  fixed  stars  all  shine; 

Unlike  in  working  then,  in  shape  and  show, 
At  his  left  hand,  Saturn  he  left  and  Jove, 
And  those  untruly  errant  called  I  trow, 
Since  he  errs  not,  who  them  doth  guide  and  move: 
The  fields  he  passed  then,  whence  hail  and  snow, 
Thunder  and  rain  fall  down  from  clouds  above, 
Where  heat  and  cold,  dryness  and  moisture  strive, 
Whose  wars  all  creatures  kill,  and  slain,  revive. 

The  horrid  darkness,  and  the  shadows  dun 
Dispersed  he  with  his  eternal  wings, 
The  flames  which  from  his  heavenly  eyes  outrun 
Beguiled  the  earth  and  all  her  sable  things; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  193 

After  a  storm  so  spreadeth  forth  the  sun 
His  rays  and  binds  the  clouds  in  golden  strings, 
Or  in  the  stillness  of  a  moonshine  even 
A  falling  star  so  glideth  down  from  Heaven. 

But  when  the  infernal  troop  he  'proached  near, 

That  still  the  Pagans'  ire  and  rage  provoke, 

The  angel  on  his  wings  himself  did  bear, 

And  shook  his  lance,  and  thus  at  last  he  spoke : 

"  Have  you  not  learned  yet  to  know  and  fear 

The  Lord's  just  wrath,  and  thunder's  dreadful  stroke? 

Or  in  the  torments  of  your  endless  ill, 

Are  you  still  fierce,  still  proud,  rebellious  still? 

"  The  Lord  hath  sworn  to  break  the  iron  bands 
The  brazen  gates  of  Sion's  fort  which  close, 
Who  is  it  that  his  sacred  will  withstands? 
Against  his  wrath  who  dares  himself  oppose? 
Go  hence,  you  cursed,  to  your  appointed  lands, 
The  realms  of  death,  of  torments,  and  of  woes, 
And  in  the  deeps  of  that  infernal  lake 
Your  battles  fight,  and  there  your  triumphs  make. 

"  There  tyrannize  upon  the  souls  you  find 
Condemned  to  woe,  and  double  still  their  pains; 
Where  some  complain,  where  some  their  teeth  do  grind, 
Some  howl,  and  weep,  some  clank  their  iron  chains :  " 
This  said  they  fled,  and  those  that  stayed  behind, 
With  his  sharp  lance  he  driveth  and  constrains; 
They  sighing  left  the  lands,  his  silver  sheep 
Where  Hesperus  doth  lead,  doth  feed,  and  keep. 

And  toward  hell  their  lazy  wings  display, 
To  wreak  their  malice  on  the  damned  ghosts; 
The  birds  that  follow  Titan's  hottest  ray, 
Pass  not  in  so  great  flocks  to  warmer  coasts, 
Nor  leaves  in  so  great  numbers  fall  away 
When  winter  nips  them  with  his  new-come  frosts ; 
The  earth  delivered  from  so  foul  annoy, 
Recalled  her  beauty,  and  resumed  her  joy. 


I94  TASSO 

But  not  for  this  in  fierce  Argantes'  breast 

Lessened  the  rancor  and  decreased  the  ire, 

Although  Alecto  left  him  to  infest 

With  the  hot  brands  of  her  infernal  fire, 

Round  his  armed  head  his  trenchant  blade  he  blest, 

And  those  thick  ranks  that  seemed  most  entire 

He  breaks ;  the  strong,  the  high,  the  weak,  the  low, 
Were  equalized  by  his  murdering  blow. 

Not  far  from  him  amid  the  blood  and  dust, 
Heads,  arms,  and  legs,  Clorinda  strewed  wide; 
Her  sword  through  Berengarius'  breast  she  thrust, 
Quite  through  the  heart,  where  life  doth  chiefly  bide, 
And  that  fell  blow  she  struck  so  sure  and  just, 
That  at  his  back  his  life  and  blood  forth  glide; 
Even  in  the  mouth  she  smote  Albinus  then, 
And  cut  in  twain  the  visage  of  the  man. 

Gernier's  right  hand  she  from  his  arm  divided, 
Whereof  but  late  she  had  received  a  wound ; 
The  hand  his  sword  still  held,  although  not  guided, 
The  fingers  half  alive  stirred  on  the  ground ; 
So  from  a  serpent  slain  the  tail  divided 
Moves  in  the  grass,  rolleth  and  tumbleth  round, 
The  championess  so  wounded  left  the  knight, 
And  gainst  Achilles  turned  her  weapon  bright. 

Upon  his  neck  light  that  unhappy  blow, 
And  cut  the  sinews  and  the  throat  in  twain, 
The  head  fell  down  upon  the  earth  below, 
And  soiled  with  dust  the  visage  on  the  plain; 
The  headless  trunk,  a  woful  thing  to  know, 
Still  in  the  saddle  seated  did  remain; 

Until  his  steed,  that  felt  the  reins  at  large, 
With  leaps  and  flings  that  burden  did  discharge. 

While  thus  this  fair  and  fierce  Bellona  slew 
The  western  lords,  and  put  their  troops  to  flight, 
Gildippes  raged  mongst  the  Pagan  crew, 
'And  low  in  dust  laid  many  a  worthy  knight: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  195 

Like  was  their  sex,  their  beauty  and  their  hue, 
Like  was  their  youth,  their  courage  and  their  might; 
Yet  fortune  would  they  should  the  battle  try 
Of  mightier  foes,  for  both  were  framed  to  die. 

Yet  wished  they  oft,  and  strove  in  vain  to  meet, 
So  great  betwixt  them  was  the  press  and  throng, 
But  hardy  Guelpho  gainst  Clorinda  sweet 
Ventured  his  sword  to  work  her  harm  and  wrong, 
And  with  a  cutting  blow  so  did  her  greet, 
That  from  her  side  the  blood  streamed  down  along; 
But  with  a  thrust  an  answer  sharp  she  made, 
And  'twixt  his  ribs  colored  somedeal  her  blade. 

Lord  Guelpho  struck  again,  but  hit  her  not, 
For  strong  Osmida  haply  passed  by, 
And  not  meant  him,  another's  wound  he  got, 
That  cleft  his  front  in  twain  above  his  eye: 
Near  Guelpho  now  the  battle  waxed  hot, 
For  all  the  troops  he  led  gan  thither  hie, 
And  thither  drew  eke  many  a  Paynim  knight, 
That  fierce,  stern,  bloody,  deadly  waxed  the  fight. 

Meanwhile  the  purple  morning  peeped  o'er 
The  eastern  threshold  to  our  half  of  land, 
And  Argillano  in  this  great  uproar 
From  prison  loosed  was,  and  what  he  fand, 
Those  arms  he  hent,  and  to  the  field  them  bore, 
Resolved  to  take  his  chance  what  came  to  hand, 

And  with  great  acts  amid  the  Pagan  host 

Would  win  again  his  reputation  lost. 

As  a  fierce  steed  'scaped  from  his  stall  at  large, 
Where  he  had  long  been  kept  for  warlike  need, 
Runs  through  the  fields  unto  the  flowery  marge 
Of  some  green  forest  where  he  used  to  feed, 
His  curled  mane  his  shoulders  broad  doth  charge 
And  from  his  lofty  crest  doth  spring  and  spreed, 
Thunder  his  feet,  his  nostrils  fire  breathe  out, 
And  with  his  neigh  the  world  resounds  about 

Classics.     Vol.  35 — J 


196  TASSO 

So  Argillan  rushed  forth,  sparkled  his  eyes, 
His  front  high  lifted  was,  no  fear  therein, 
Lightly  he  leaps  and  skips,  it  seems  he  flies, 
He  left  no  sign  in  dust  imprinted  thin, 
And  coming  near  his  foes,  he  sternly  cries, 
As  one  that  forced  not  all  their  strength  a  pin, 
"  You  outcasts  of  the  world,  you  men  of  naught 
What  hath  in  you  this  boldness  newly  wrought? 

"  Too  weak  are  you  to  bear  a  helm  or  shield, 
Unfit  to  arm  your  breast  in  iron  bright, 
You  run  half-naked  trembling  through  the  field, 
Your  blows  are  feeble,  and  your  hope  in  flight, 
Your  facts  and  all  the  actions  that  you  wield, 
The  darkness  hides,  your  bulwark  is  the  night, 

Now  she  is  gone,  how  will  your  fights  succeed? 

Now  better  arms  and  better  hearts  you  need." 

While  thus  he  spoke,  he  gave  a  cruel  stroke 
Against  Algazel's  throat  with  might  and  main; 
And  as  he  would  have  answered  him,  and  spoke, 
He  stopped  his  words,  and  cut  his  jaws  in  twain; 
Upon  his  eyes  death  spread  his  misty  cloak, 
A  chilling  frost  congealed  every  vein, 

He  fell,  and  with  his  teeth  the  earth  he  tore, 
Raging  in  death,  and  full  of  rage  before. 

Then  by  his  puissance  mighty  Saladine, 
Proud  Agricalt  and  Muleasses  died, 
And  at  one  wondrous  blow  his  weapon  fine, 
Did  Adiazel  in  two  parts  divide, 
Then  through  the  breast  he  wounded  Ariadinc, 
Whom  dying  with  sharp  taunts  he  gan  deride, 
He  lifting  up  uneath  his  feeble  eyes, 
To  his  proud  scorns  thus  answereth,  ere  he  dies; 

"  Not  thou,  whoe'er  thou  art,  shall  glory  long 
Thy  happy  conquest  in  my  death,  I  trow, 
Like  chance  awaits  thee  from  a  hand  more  strong, 
Which  by  my  side  will  shortly  lay  thee  low : " 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  197 

He  smiled,  and  said,  "  Of  mine  hour  short  or  long 
Let  heaven  take  care;  but  here  meanwhile  die  thou, 
Pasture  for  wolves  and  crows,"  on  him  his  foot 
He  set,  and  drew  his  sword  and  life  both  out. 

Among  this  squadron  rode  a  gentle  page, 
The  Soldan's  minion,  darling,  and  delight, 
On  whose  fair  chin  the  spring-time  of  his  age 
Yet  blossomed  out  her  flowers,  small  or  light; 
The  sweat  spread  on  his  cheeks  with  heat  and  rage 
Seemed  pearls  or  morning  dews  on  lilies  white, 
The  dust  therein  uprolled  adorned  his  hair, 
His  face  seemed  fierce  and  sweet,  wrathful  and  fair. 

His  steed  was  white,  and  white  as  purest  snow 

That  falls  on  tops  of  aged  Apennine, 

Lightning  and  storm  are  not  so  swift  I  trow 

As  he,  to  run,  to  stop,  to  turn  and  twine; 

A  dart  his  right  hand  shaked,  prest  to  throw ; 

His  cutlass  by  his  thigh,  short,  hooked,  fine, 
And  braving  in  his  Turkish  pomp  he  shone, 
In  purple  robe,  o'erfret  with  gold  and  stone. 

The  hardy  boy,  while  thirst  of  warlike  praise 
Bewitched  so  his  unadvised  thought, 
Gainst  every  band  his  childish  strength  assays, 
And  little  danger  found,  though  much  he  sought, 
Till  Argillan,  that  watched  fit  time  always 
In  his  swift  turns  to  strike  him  as  he  fought, 
Did  unawares  his  snow-white  courser  slay, 
And  under  him  his  master  tumbling  lay: 

And  gainst  his  face,  where  love  and  pity  stand, 
To  pray  him  that  rich  throne  of  beauty  spare, 
The  cruel  man  stretched  forth  his  murdering  hand, 
To  spoil  those  gifts,  whereof  he  had  no  share : 
It  seemed  remorse  and  sense  was  in  his  brand 
Which,  lighting  flat,  to  hurt  the  lad  forbare ; 
But  all  for  naught,  gainst  him  the  point  he  bent 
That,  what  the  edge  had  spared,  pierced  and  rent. 


198  TASSO 

Fierce  Solyman  that  with  Godfredo  strived 
Who  first  should  enter  conquest's  glorious  gate, 
Left  off  the  fray  and  thither  headlong  drived, 
When  first  he  saw  the  lad  in  such  estate; 
He  brake  the  press,  and  soon  enough  arrived 
To  take  revenge,  but  to  his  aid  too  late, 
Because  he  saw  his  Lesbine  slain  and  lost, 
Like  a  sweet  flower  nipped  with  untimely  frost. 

He  saw  wax  dim  the  starlight  of  his  eyes, 
His  ivory  neck  upon  his  shoulders  fell, 
In  his  pale  looks  kind  pity's  image  lies, 
That  death  even  mourned,  to  hear  his  passing  bell. 
His  marble  heart  such  soft  impression  tries, 
That  midst  his  wrath  his  manly  tears  outwell, 
Thou  weepest,  Solyman,  thou  that  beheld 
Thy  kingdoms  lost,  and  not  one  tear  could  yield. 

But  when  the  murderer's  sword  he  hapt  to  view 
Dropping  with  blood  of  his  Lesbino  dead, 
His  pity  vanished,  ire  and  rage  renew, 
He  had  no  leisure  bootless  tears  to  shed ; 
But  with  his  blade  on  Argillano  flew, 
And  cleft  his  shield,  his  helmet,  and  his  head, 
Down  to  his  throat ;  and  worthy  was  that  blow 
Of  Solyman,  his  strength  and  wrath  to  show: 

And  not  content  with  this,  down  from  his  horse 
He  lights,  and  that  dead  carcass  rent  and  tore, 
Like  a  fierce  dog  that  takes  his  angry  course 
To  bite  the  stone  which  had  him  hit  before. 
Oh  comfort  vain  for  grief  of  so  great  force, 
To  wound  the  senseless  earth  that  feels  no  sore! 
But  mighty  Godfrey  'gainst  the  Soldan's  train 
Spent  not,  this  while,  his  force  and  blows  in  vain. 

A  thousand  hardy  Turks  affront  he  had 
In  sturdy  iron  armed  from  head  to  foot, 
Resolved  in  all  adventures  good  or  bad, 
In  actions  wise,  in  execution  stout, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  199 

Whom  Solyman  into  Arabia  lad, 
When  from  his  kingdom  he  was  first  cast  out, 
Where  living  wild  with  their  exiled  guide 
To  him  in  all  extremes  they  faithful  bide ; 

All  these  in  thickest  order  sure  unite, 
For  Godfrey's  valor  small  or  nothing  shrank, 
Corcutes  first  he  on  the  face  did  smite, 
Then  wounded  strong  Rosteno  in  the  flank, 
At  one  blow  Selim's  head  he  stroke  off  quite, 
Then  both  Rossano's  arms,  in  every  rank 
The  boldest  knights,  of  all  that  chosen  crew, 
He  felled,  maimed,  wounded,  hurt  and  slew. 

While  thus  he  killed  many  a  Saracine 

And  all  their  fierce  assaults  unhurt  sustained, 

Ere  fortune  wholly  from  the  Turks  decline, 

While  still  they  hoped  much,  though  small  they  gained, 

Behold  a  cloud  of  dust,  wherein  doth  shine 

Lightning  of  war  in  midst  thereof  contained, 

Whence  unawares  burst  forth  a  storm  of  swords, 
Which  tremble  made  the  Pagan  knights  and  lords. 

These  fifty  champions  were,  mongst  whom  there  stands, 

In  silver  field,  the  ensign  of  Christ's  death, 

If  I  had  mouths  and  tongues  as  Briareus  hands, 

If  voice  as  iron  tough,  if  iron  breath, 

What  harm  this  troop  wrought  to  the  heathen  bands, 

What  knights  they  slew,  I  could  recount  uneath' 

In  vain  the  Turks  resist,  the  Arabians  fly; 

If  they  fly,  they  are  slain ;  if  fight,  they  die. 

Fear,  cruelty,  grief,  horror,  sorrow,  pain, 
Run  through  the  field,  disguised  in  divers  shapes, 
Death  might  you  see  triumphant  on  the  plain, 
Drowning  in  blood  him  that  from  blows  escapes. 
The  king  meanwhile  with  parcel  of  his  train 
Comes  hastily  out,  and  for  sure  conquest  gapes, 
And  from  a  bank  whereon  he  stood,  beheld 
The  doubtful  hazard  of  that  bloody  field. 


200  TASSO 

But  when  he  saw  the  Pagans  shrink  away, 

He  sounded  the  retreat,  and  gan  desire 

His  messengers  in  his  behalf  to  pray 

Argantes  and  Clorinda  to  retire ; 

The  furious  couple  both  at  once  said  nay, 

Even  drunk  with  shedding  blood,  and  mad  with  ire, 
At  last  they  went,  and  to  recomfort  thought 
And  stay  their  troops  from  flight,  but  all  for  naught. 

For  who  can  govern  cowardice  or  fear? 
Their  host  already  was  begun  to  fly, 
They  cast  their  shields  and  cutting  swords  arrear, 
As  not  defended  but  made  slow  thereby, 
A  hollow  dale  the  city's  bulwarks  near 
From  west  to  south  outstretched  long  doth  lie, 
Thither  they  fled,  and  in  a  mist  of  dust, 
Toward  the  walls  they  run,  they  throng,  they  thrust 

fWhile  down  the  bank  disordered  thus  they  ran, 
The  Christian  knights  huge  slaughter  on  them  made; 
But  when  to  climb  the  other  hill  they  gan, 
Old  Aladine  came  fiercely  to  their  aid : 
On  that  steep  brae  Lord  Guelpho  would  not  than 
Hazard  his  folk,  but  there  his  soldiers  stayed, 
And  safe  within  the  city's  walls  the  king 
The  relics  small  of  that  sharp  fight  did  bring: 

Meanwhile  the  Soldan  in  this  latest  charge 
Had  done  as  much  as  human  force  was  able, 
All  sweat  and  blood  appeared  his  members  large, 
His  breath  was  short,  his  courage  waxed  unstable, 
His  arm  grew  weak  to  bear  his  mighty  targe, 
His  hand  to  rule  his  heavy  sword  unable, 

Which  bruised,  not  cut,  so  blunted  was  the  blade 
It  lost  the  use  for  which  a  sword  was  made. 

Feeling  his  weakness,  he  gan  musing  stand, 
And  in  his  troubled  thought  this  question  tossed, 
If  he  himself  should  murder  with  his  hand, 
Because  none  else  should  of  his  conquest  boast, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  aoi 

Or  he  should  save  his  life,  when  on  the  land 

Lay  slain  the  pride  of  his  subdued  host, 

"  At  last  to  fortune's  power,"  quoth  he,  "  I  yield, 
And  on  my  flight  let  her  her  trophies  build. 

"  Let  Godfrey  view  my  flight,  and  smile  to  see 
This  mine  unworthy  second  banishment, 
For  armed  again  soon  shall  he  hear  of  me, 
From  his  proud  head  the  unsettled  crown  to  rent, 
For,  as  my  wrongs,  my  wrath  etern  shall  be, 
At  every  hour  the  bow  of  war  new  bent, 

I  will  rise  again,  a  foe,  fierce,  bold, 

Though  dead,  though  slain,  though  burnt  to  ashes  cold." 


TENTH   BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 

Ismen  from  sleep  awakes  the  Soldan  great. 
And  into  Sion  brings  the  Prince  by  night 
Where  the  sad  king  sits  fearful  on  his  seat, 
Whom  he  emboldeneth  and  excites  to  fight; 
Godfredo  hears  his  lords  and  knights  repeat 
How  they  escaped  Armida's  wrath  and  spite: 
Rinaldo  known  to  live,  Peter  foresays 
His  offspring's  virtue,  good  deserts,  and  praise. 

A  GALLANT  steed,  while  thus  the  Soldan  said, 
Came  trotting  by  him,  without  lord  or  guide, 
Quickly  his  hand  upon  the  reins  he  laid, 
And  weak  and  weary  climbed  up  to  ride; 
The  snake  that  on  his  crest  hot  fire  out-braid 
Was  quite  cut  off,  his  helm  had  lost  the  pride, 
His  coat  was  rent,  his  harness  hacked  and  cleft, 
And  of  his  kingly  pomp  no  sign  was  left. 

As  when  a  savage  wolf  chased  from  the  fold, 
To  hide  his  head  runs  to  some  holt  or  wood, 
Who,  though  he  filled  have  while  it  might  hold 
His  greedy  paunch,  yet  hungreth  after  food, 
With  sanguine  tongue  forth  of  his  lips  out-rolled 
About  his  jaws  that  licks  up  foam  and  blood ; 
So  from  this  bloody  fray  the  Soldan  hied, 
His  rage  unquenched,  his  wrath  unsatisfied. 

And,  as  his  fortune  would,  he  'scaped  free 
From  thousand  arrows  which  about  him  flew, 
From  swords  and  lances,  instruments  that  be 
Of  certain  death,  himself  he  safe  withdrew, 

202 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  303 

Unknown,  unseen,  disguised,  travelled  he, 

By  desert  paths  and  ways  but  used  by  few, 
And  rode  revolving  in  his  troubled  thought 
What  course  to  take,  and  yet  resolved  on  naught 

Thither  at  last  he  meant  to  take  his  way, 
Where  Egypt's  king  assembled  all  his  host, 
To  join  with  him,  and  once  again  assay 
To  win  by  fight,  by  which  so  oft  he  lost : 
Determined  thus,  he  made  no  longer  stay, 
But  thitherward  spurred  forth  his  steed  in  post, 

Nor  need  he  guide,  the  way  right  well  he  could, 

That  leads  to  sandy  plains  of  Gaza  old. 

Nor  though  his  smarting  wounds  torment  him  oft, 
His  body  weak  and  wounded  back  and  side, 
Yet  rested  he,  nor  once  his  armor  doffed, 
But  all  day  long  o'er  hills  and  dales  doth  ride: 
But  when  the  night  cast  up  her  shade  aloft 
And  all  earth's  colors  strange  in  sables  dyed, 
He  light,  and  as  he  could  his  wounds  upbound, 
And  shook  ripe  dates  down  from  a  palm  he  found. 

On  them  he  supped,  and  amid  the  field 
To  rest  his  weary  limbs  awhile  he  sought, 
He  made  his  pillow  of  his  broken  shield 
To  ease  the  griefs  of  his  distempered  thought, 
But  little  ease  could  so  hard  lodging  yield, 
His  wounds  so  smarted  that  he  slept  right  naught, 
And,  in  his  breast,  his  proud  heart  rent  in  twain, 
Two  inward  vultures,  Sorrow  and  Disdain. 

At  length  when  midnight  with  her  silence  deep 

Did  heaven  and  earth  hushed,  still,  and  quiet  make, 

Sore  watched  and  weary,  he  began  to  steep 

His  cares  and  sorrows  in  oblivion's  lake, 

And  in  a  little,  short,  unquiet  sleep 

Some  small  repose  his  fainting  spirits  take; 

But,  while  he  slept,  a  voice  grave  and  severe 

At  unawares  thus  thundered  in  his  ear: 


S04  TASSO 

"  O  Solyman !  thou  far-renowned  king, 
Till  better  season  serve,  forbear  thy  rest; 
A  stranger  doth  thy  lands  in  thraldom  bring, 
Nice  is  a  slave,  by  Christian  yoke  oppressed ; 
Sleepest  thou  here,  forgetful  of  this  thing, 
That  here  thy  friends  lie  slain,  not  laid  in  chest, 

Whose  bones  bear  witness  of  thy  shame  and  scorn ! 

And  wilt  thou  idly  here  attend  the  morn  ?  " 

The  king  awoke,  and  saw  before  his  eyes 
A  man  whose  presence  seemed  grave  and  old, 
A  writhen  staff  his  steps  unstable  guies, 
Which  served  his  feeble  members  to  uphold. 
"  And  what  art  thou  ?  "  the  prince  in  scorn  replies, 
"  What  sprite  to  vex  poor  passengers  so  bold, 
To  break  their  sleep?  or  what  to  thee  belongs 
My  shame,  my  loss,  my  vengeance  or  my  wrongs." 

"  I  am  the  man  of  thine  intent,"  quoth  he, 
"  And  purpose  new  that  sure  conjecture  hath, 
And  better  than  thou  weenest  know  I  thee: 
I  proffer  thee  my  service  and  my  faith. 
My  speeches  therefore  sharp  and  biting  be, 
Because  quick  words  the  whetstones  are  of  wrath,— 
Accept  in  gree,  my  lord,  the  words  I  spoke, 
As  spurs  thine  ire  and  courage  to  provoke. 

"  But  now  to  visit  Egypt's  mighty  king, 

Unless  my  judgment  fail,  you  are  prepared, 

I  prophesy,  about  a  needless  thing 

You  suffer  shall  a  voyage  long  and  hard : 

For  though  you  stay,  the  monarch  great  will  bring 

His  new  assembled  host  to  Juda-ward, 

No  place  of  service  there,  no  cause  of  fight, 
Nor  gainst  our  foes  to  use  your  force  and  might. 

"  But  if  you  follow  me,  within  this  wall 
With  Christian  arms  hemmed  in  on  every  side, 
Withouten  battle,  fight,  or  stroke  at  all, 
Even  at  noonday,  I  will  you  safely  guide, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  20; 

Where  you  delight,  rejoice,  and  glory  shall 

In  perils  great  to  see  your  prowess  tried. 
That  noble  town  you  may  preserve  and  shield, 
Till  Egypt's  host  come  to  renew  the  field." 

While  thus  he  parleyed,  of  this  aged  guest 
The  Turk  the  words  and  looks  did  both  admire, 
And  from  his  haughty  eyes  and  furious  breast 
He  laid  apart  his  pride,  his  rage  and  ire, 
And  humbly  said,  "  I  willing  am  and  prest 
To  follow  where  thou  leadest,  reverend  sire, 
And  that  advice  best  fits  my  angry  vein 
That  tells  of  greatest  peril,  greatest  pain." 

The  old  man  praised  his  words,  and  for  the  air 
His  late  received  wounds  to  worse  disposes, 
A  quintessence  therein  he  poured  fair, 
That  stops  the  bleeding,  and  incision  closes: 
Beholding  then  before  Apollo's  chair 
How  fresh  Aurora  violets  strewed  and  roses, 
"  It's  time,"  he  says,  "  to  wend,  for  Titan  bright 
To  wonted  labor  summons  every  wight." 

And  to  a  chariot,  that  beside  did  stand, 

Ascended  he,  and  with  him  Solyman, 

He  took  the  reins,  and  with  a  mastering  hand 

Ruled  his  steeds,  and  whipped  them  now  and  than, 

The  wheels  or  horses'  feet  upon  the  land 

Had  left  no  sign  nor  token  where  they  ran, 

The  coursers  pant  and  smoke  with  lukewarm  sweat 
And,  foaming  cream,  their  iron  mouthfuls  eat. 

The  air  about  them  round,  a  wondrous  thing, 
Itself  on  heaps  in  solid  thickness  drew, 
The  chariot  hiding  and  environing, 
The  subtle  mist  no  mortal  eye  could  view; 
And  yet  no  stone  from  engine  cast  or  sling 
Could  pierce  the  cloud,  it  was  of  proof  so  true ; 
Yet  seen  it  was  to  them  within  which  ride, 
And  heaven  and  earth  without^  all  clear  beside.  ' 


206  TASSO 

His  beetle  brows  the  Turk  amazed  bent, 
He  wrinkled  up  his  front,  and  wildly  stared 
Upon  the  cloud  and  chariot  as  it  went, 
For  speed  to  Cynthia's  car  right  well  compared: 
The  other  seeing  his  astonishment 
How  he  bewondered  was,  and  how  he  fared, 
All  suddenly  by  name  the  prince  gan  call, 
By  which  awaked  thus  he  spoke  withal : 

"  Whoe'er  thou  art  above  all  worldly  wit 
That  hast  these  high  and  wondrous  marvels  wrought, 
And  know'st  the  deep  intents  which  hidden  sit 
In  secret  closet  of  man's  private  thought, 
If  in  thy  skilful  heart  this  lot  be  writ, 
To  tell  the  event  of  things  to  end  unbrought ; 
Then  say,  what  issue  and  what  ends  the  stars 
Allot  to  Asia's  troubles,  broils  and  wars. 

"  But  tell  me  first  thy  name,  and  by  what  art 

Thou  dost  these  wonders  strange,  above  our  skill ; 

For  full  of  marvel  is  my  troubled  heart, 

Tell  then  and  leave  me  not  amazed  still." 

The  wizard  smiled  and  answered,  "  In  some  part 

Easy  it  is  to  satisfy  thy  will, 

Ismen  I  hight,  called  an  enchanter  great, 
Such  skill  have  I  in  magic's  secret  feat. 

"  But  that  I  should  the  sure  events  unfold 
Of  things  to  come,  or  destinies  foretell, 
Too  rash  is  your  desire,  your  wish  too  bold, 
To  mortal  heart  such  knowledge  never  fell; 
Our  wit  and  strength  on  us  bestowed  I  hold, 
To  shun  the  evils  and  harms,  mongst  which  we  dwell, 
They  make  their  fortune  who  are  stout  and  wise, 
Wit  rules  the  heavens,  discretion  guides  the  skies. 

"  That  puissant  arm  of  thine  that  well  can  rend 
From  Godfrey's  brow  the  new  usurped  crown, 
And  not  alone  protect,  save  and  defend 
From  his  fierce  people,  this  besieged  town, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

Gainst  fire  and  sword  with  strength  and  courage  bend, 
Adventure,  suffer,  trust,  tread  perils  down, 
And  to  content,  and  to  encourage  thee, 
Know  this,  which  as  I  in  a  cloud  foresee: 

"  I  guess,  before  the  over-gliding  sun 
Shall  many  years  mete  out  by  weeks  and  days, 
A  prince  that  shall  in  fertile  Egypt  won, 
Shall  fill  all  Asia  with  his  prosperous  frays, 
I  speak  not  of  his  acts  in  quiet  done, 
His  policy,  his  rule,  his  wisdom's  praise, 
Let  this  suffice,  by  him  these  Christians  shall 
In  fight  subdued  fly,  and  conquered  fall. 

"And  their  great  empire  and  usurped  state 
Shall  overthrown  in  dust  and  ashes  lie, 
Their  woful  remnant  in  an  angle  strait 
Compassed  with  sea  themselves  shall  fortify, 
From  thee  shall  spring  this  lord  of  war  and  fate.** 
Whereto  great  Solyman  gan  thus  reply : 
"  O  happy  man  to  so  great  praise  ybore ! " 
Thus  he  rejoiced,  but  yet  envied  more; 

And  said,  "  Let  chance  with  good  or  bad  aspect 
Upon  me  look  as  sacred  Heaven's  decree, 
This  heart  to  her  I  never  will  subject, 
Nor  ever  conquered  shall  she  look  on  me ; 
The  moon  her  chariot  shall  awry  direct 
Ere  from  this  course  I  will  diverted  be." 

While  thus  he  spake,  it  seemed  he  breathed  fire, 
So  fierce  his  courage  was,  so  hot  his  ire. 

Thus  talked  they,  till  they  arrived  been 

Nigh  to  the  place  where  Godfrey's  tents  were  reared, 

There  was  a  woful  spectacle  yseen, 

Death  in  a  thousand  ugly  forms  appeared, 

The  Soldan  changed  hue  for  grief  and  teen, 

On  that  sad  book  his  shame  and  loss  he  lered, 

Ah,  with  what  grief  his  men.  his  friends  he  found; 

And  standards  proud,  Ihglorious  lie  on  ground  1 


ao8  TASSO 

And  saw  one  visage  of  some  well-known  friend, 
In  foul  despite,  a  rascal  Frenchman  tread, 
And  there  another  ragged  peasant  rend 
The  arms  and  garments  from  some  champion  dead, 
And  there  with  stately  pomp  by  heaps  they  wend, 
And  Christians  slain  roll  up  in  webs  of  lead ; 
Lastly  the  Turks  and  slain  Arabians,  brought 
On  heaps,  he  saw  them  burn  with  fire  to  naught. 

Deeply  he  sighed,  and  with  naked  sword 
Out  of  the  coach  he  leaped  in  the  mire, 
But  Ismen  called  again  the  angry  lord, 
And  with  grave  words  appeased  his  foolish  ire. 
The  prince  content  remounted  at  his  word, 
Toward  a  hill  on  drove  the  aged  sire, 

And  hasting  forward  up  the  bank  they  pass, 
Till  far  behind  the  Christian  leaguer  was. 

There  they  alight  and  took  their  way  on  foot, 
The  empty  chariot  vanished  out  of  sight, 
Yet  still  the  cloud  environed  them  about. 
At  their  left  hand  down  went  they  from  the  height 
Of  Sion's  Hill,  till  they  approached  the  route 
On  that  side  where  to  west  he  looketh  right, 
There  Ismen  stayed,  and  his  eyesight  bent 
Upon  the  bushy  rocks,  and  thither  went. 

A  hollow  cave  was  in  the  craggy  stone, 
Wrought  out  by  hand  a  number  years  tofore, 
And  for  of  long  that  way  had  walked  none, 
The  vault  was  hid  with  plants  and  bushes  hoar, 
The  wizard  stooping  in  thereat  to  gone, 
The  thorns  aside  and  scratching  brambles  bore, 

His  right  hand  sought  the  passage  through  the  cleft, 
And  for  his  guide  he  gave  the  prince  his  left : 

"  What,"  quoth  the  Soldan,  "  by  what  privy  mine, 
What  hidden  vault  behoves  it  me  to  creep  ? 
This  sword  can  find  a  better  way  than  thine, 
Although  our  foes  the  passage  guard  and  keep." 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  809 

"  Let  not,"  quoth  he,  "  thy  princely  foot  repine 
To  tread  this  secret  path,  though  dark  and  deep ; 
For  great  King  Herod  used  to  tread  the  same, 
He  that  in  arms  had  whilom  so  great  fame. 

"  This  passage  made  he,  when  he  would  suppress 

His  subjects'  pride,  and  them  in  bondage  hold; 

By  this  he  could  from  that  small  forteress 

Antonia  called,  of  Antony  the  bold, 

Convey  his  folk  unseen  of  more  and  less 

Even  to  the  middest  of  the  temple  old, 

Thence,  hither;  where  these  privy  ways  begin, 
And  bring  unseen  whole  armies  out  and  in. 

"  But  now  save  I  in  all  this  world  lives  none 
That  knows  the  secret  of  this  darksome  place, 
Come  then  where  Aladine  sits  on  his  throne, 
With  lords  and  princes  set  about  his  grace ; 
He  feareth  more  than  fitteth  such  an  one, 
Such  signs  of  doubt  show  in  his  cheer  and  face ; 
Fitly  you  come,  hear,  see,  and  keep  you  still, 
Till  time  and  season  serve,  then  speak  your  fill." 

This  said,  that  narrow  entrance  passed  the  knight, 
So  creeps  a  camel  through  a  needle's  eye, 
And  through  the  ways  as  black  as  darkest  night 
He  followed  him  that  did  him  rule  and  guie; 
Strait  was  the  way  at  first,  withouten  light, 
But  further  in,  did  further  amplify ; 

So  that  upright  walked  at  ease  the  men 

Ere  they  had  passed  half  that  secret  den, 

A  privy  door  Ismen  unlocked  at  last, 

And  up  they  clomb  a  little-used  stair, 

Thereat  the  day  a  feeble  beam  in  cast, 

Dim  was  the  light,  and  nothing  clear  the  air; 

Out  of  the  hollow  cave  at  length  they  passed 

Into  a  goodly  hall,  high,  broad  and  fair, 

Where  crowned  with  gold,  and  all  in  purple  clad 
Sate  the  sad  king,  among  his  nobles  sad. 


aio  TASSO 

The  Turk,  close  in  his  hollow  cloud  imbarred, 
Unseen,  at  will  did  all  the  prease  behold, 
These  heavy  speeches  of  the  king  he  heard, 
Who  thus  from  lofty  siege  his  pleasure  told ; 
"  My  lords,  last  day  our  state  was  much  impaired, 
Our  friends  were  slain,  killed  were  our  soldiers  bold, 
Great  helps  and  greater  hopes  are  us  bereft, 
Nor  aught  but  aid  from  Egypt  land  is  left: 

"  And  well  you  see  far  distant  is  that  aid, 
Upon  our  heels  our  danger  treadeth  still, 
For  your  advice  was  this  assembly  made, 
Each  what  he  thinketh  speak,  and  what  he  will." 
A  whisper  soft  arose  when  this  was  said, 
As  gentle  winds  the  groves  with  murmur  fill, 
But  with  bold  face,  high  looks  and  merry  cheer, 
Argantes  rose,  the  rest  their  talk  forbear. 

"  O  worthy  sovereign,"  thus  began  to  say 

The  hardy  young  man  to  the  tyrant  wise, 

"  What  words  be  these?  what  fears  do  you  dismay? 

Who  knows  not  this,  you  need  not  our  advice ! 

But  on  your  hand  your  hope  of  conquest  lay, 

And,  for  no  loss  true  virtue  damnifies, 

Make  her  our  shield,  pray  her  us  succors  give, 
And  without  her  let  us  not  wish  to  live. 

"  Nor  say  I  this  for  that  I  aught  misdeem 
That  Egypt's  promised  succors  fail  us  might, 
Doubtful  of  my  great  master's  words  to  seem 
To  me  were  neither  lawful,  just,  nor  right! 
I  speak  these  words,  for  spurs  I  them  esteem 
To  waken  up  each  dull  and  fearful  sprite, 
And  make  our  hearts  resolved  to  all  assays, 
To  win  with  honor,  or  to  die  with  praise." 

Thus  much  Argantes  said,  and  said  no  more, 

As  if  the  case  were  clear  of  which  he  spoke. 

Orcano  rose,  of  princely  stem  ybore, 

Whose  presence  'mongst  them  bore  a  mighty  stroke, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  211 

A  man  esteemed  well  in  arms  of  yore, 

But  now  was  coupled  new  in  marriage  yoke ; 

Young  babes  he  had,  to  fight  which  made  him  loth, 

He  was  a  husband  and  a  father  both. 

"  My  lord,"  quoth  he,  "  I  will  not  reprehend 
The  earnest  zeal  of  this  audacious  speech, 
From  courage  sprung,  which  seld  is  close  ypend 
In  swelling  stomach  without  violent  breach: 
And  though  to  you  our  good  Circassian  friend 
In  terms  too  bold  and  fervent  oft  doth  preach, 
Yet  hold  I  that  for  good,  in  warlike  feat 
For  his  great  deeds  respond  his  speeches  great. 

"  But  if  it  you  beseem,  whom  graver  age 
And  long  experience  hath  made  wise  and  sly, 
To  rule  the  heat  of  youth  and  hardy  rage, 
Which  somewhat  have  misled  this  knight  awry, 
In  equal  balance  ponder  then  and  gauge 
Your  hopes  far  distant,  with  your  perils  nigh; 
This  town's  old  walls  and  rampires  new  compare 
With  Godfrey's  forces  and  his  engines  rare. 

"  But,  if  I  may  say  what  I  think  unblamed, 
This  town  is  strong,  by  nature,  site  and  art, 
But  engines  huge  and  instruments  are  framed 
Gainst  these  defences  by  our  adverse  part, 
Who  thinks  him  most  secure  is  eathest  shamed; 
I  hope  the  best,  yet  fear  unconstant  mart, 
And  with  this  siege  if  we  be  long  up  pent, 
Famine  I  doubt,  our  store  will  all  be  spent. 

"  For  all  that  store  of  cattle  and  of  grain 
Which  yesterday  within  these  walls  you  brought, 
While  your  proud  foes  triumphant  through  the  plain 
On  naught  but  shedding  blood,  and  conquest  thought, 
Too  little  is  this  city  to  sustain, 
To  raise  the  siege  unless  some  means  be  sought; 
And  it  must  last  till  the  prefixed  hour 
That  it  be  raised  by  Egypt's  aid  and  power. 


4X»  TASSO 

"  But  what  if  that  appointed  day  they  miss? 
Or  else,  ere  we  expect,  what  if  they  came  ? 
The  victory  yet  is  not  ours  for  this, 
Oh  save  this  town  from  ruin,  us  from  shame  I 
With  that  same  Godfrey  still  our  warfare  is, 
These  armies,  soldiers,  captains  are  the  same 
Who  have  so  oft  amid  the  dusty  plain 
Turks,  Persians,  Syrians  and  Arabians  slain. 

"  And  thou  Argantes  wotest  what  they  be ; 
Oft  hast  thou  fled  from  that  victorious  host, 
Thy  shoulders  often  hast  thou  let  them  see, 
And  in  thy  feet  hath  been  thy  safeguard  most; 
Clorinda  bright  and  I  fled  eke  with  thee, 
None  than  his  fellows  had  more  cause  to  boast, 
Nor  blame  I  any ;  for  in  every  fight 
We  showed  courage,  valor,  strength  and  might. 

"  And  though  this  hardy  knight  the  certain  threat 
Of  near-approaching  death  to  hear  disdain; 
Yet  to  this  state  of  loss  and  danger  great, 
From  this  strong  foe  I  see  the  tokens  plain ; 
No  fort  how  strong  soe'er  by  art  or  seat, 
Can  hinder  Godfrey  why  he  should  not  reign: 
This  makes  me  say, — to  witness  heaven  I  bring, 
Zeal  to  this  state,  love  to  my  lord  and  king — 

"  The  king  of  Tripoli  was  well  advised 
To  purchase  peace,  and  so  preserve  his  crown: 
But  Solyman,  who  Godfrey's  love  despised, 
Is  either  dead  or  deep  in  prison  thrown ; 
Else  fearful  is  he  run  away  disguised, 
And  scant  his  life  is  left  him  for  his  own, 
And  yet  with  gifts,  with  tribute,  and  with  gold, 
He  might  in  peace  his  empire  still  have  hold." 

Thus  spake  Orcanes,  and  some  inkling  gave 
In  doubtful  words  of  that  he  would  have  said ; 
To  sue  for  peace  or  yield  himself  a  slave 
He  durst  not  openly  his  king  persuade : 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  113 

But  at  those  words  the  Soldan  gan  to  rave, 
And  gainst  his  will  wrapt  in  the  cloud  he  stayed, 
Whom  Ismen  thus  bespake,  "  How  can  you  bear 
These  words,  my  lord?  or  these  reproaches  hear?" 

"  Oh,  let  me  speak,"  quoth  he,  "  with  ire  and  scorn 
I  burn,  and  gainst  my  will  thus  hid  I  stay ! " 
This  said,  the  smoky  cloud  was  cleft  and  torn, 
Which  like  a  veil  upon  them  stretched  lay, 
And  up  to  open  heaven  forthwith  was  borne, 
And  left  the  prince  in  view  of  lightsome  day, 

With  princely  look  amid  the  press  he  shined. 

And  on  a  sudden,  thus  declared  his  mind. 

"  Of  whom  you  speak  behold  the  Soldan  here, 

Neither  afraid  nor  run  away  for  dread, 

And  that  these  slanders,  lies  and  fables  were, 

This  hand  shall  prove  upon  that  coward's  head, 

I,  who  have  shed  a  sea  of  blood  well  near, 

And  heaped  up  mountains  high  of  Christians  dead, 

I  in  their  camp  who  still  maintained  the  fray, 

My  men  all  murdered,  I  that  run  away. 

"  If  this,  or  any  coward  vile  beside, 
False  to  his  faith  and  country,  dares  reply ; 
And  speak  of  concord  with  yon  men  of  pride, 
By  your  good  leave,  Sir  King,  here  shall  he  die, 
The  lambs  and  wolves  shall  in  one  fold  abide, 
The  doves  and  serpents  in  one  nest  shall  lie, 

Before  one  town  us  and  these  Christians  shall 

In  peace  and  love  unite  within  one  wall." 

While  thus  he  spoke,  his  broad  and  trenchant  sword 

His  hand  held  high  aloft  in  threatening  guise ; 

Dumb  stood  the  knights,  so  dreadful  was  his  word ; 

A  storm  was  in  his  front,  fire  in  his  eyes, 

He  turned  at  last  to  Sion's  aged  lord, 

And  calmed  his  visage  stern  in  humbler  wise: 

"  Behold,"  quoth  he,  "  good  prince,  what  aid  I  bring, 
Since  Solyman  is  joined  with  Juda's  king." 


a  14  TASSO 

King  Aladine  from  his  rich  throne  upstart 
And  said,  "  Oh  how  I  joy  thy  face  to  view, 
My  noble  friend !  it  lesseneth  in  some  part 
My  grief,  for  slaughter  of  my  subjects  true; 
My  weak  estate  to  stablish  come  thou  art, 
And  mayest  thine  own  again  in  time  renew, 

If  Heavens  consent:"  with  that  the  Soldan  bold 
In  dear  embracements  did  he  long  enfold. 

Their  greetings  done,  the  king  resigned  his  throne 
To  Solyman,  and  set  himself  beside, 
In  a  rich  seat  adorned  with  gold  and  stone, 
And  Ismen  sage  did  at  his  elbow  bide, 
Of  whom  he  asked  what  way  they  two  had  gone, 
And  he  declared  all  what  had  them  betide: 
Clorinda  bright  to  Solyman  addressed 
Her  salutations  first,  then  all  the  rest. 

Among  them  rose  Ormusses'  valiant  knight, 
Whom  late  the  Soldan  with  a  convoy  sent, 
And  when  most  hot  and  bloody  was  the  fight, 
By  secret  paths  and  blind  byways  he  went, 
Till  aided  by  the  silence  and  the  night 
Safe  in  the  city's  walls  himself  he  pent, 

And  there  refreshed  with  corn  and  cattle  store 
The  pined  soldiers,  famished  nigh  before. 

With  surly  countenance  and  disdainful  grace, 
Sullen  and  sad,  sat  the  Circassian  stout, 
Like  a  fierce  lion  grumbling  in  his  place, 
His  fiery  eyes  that  turns  and  rolls  about ; 
Nor  durst  Orcanes  view  the  Soldan's  face, 
But  still  upon  the  floor  did  pore  and  tout : 
Thus  with  his  lords  and  peers  in  counselling1, 
The  Turkish  monarch  sat  with  Juda's  king. 

Godfrey  this  while  gave  victory  the  rein, 
And  following  her  the  straits  he  opened  all; 
Then  for  his  soldiers  and  his  captains  slain, 
He  celebrates  a  stately  funeral, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

And  told  his  camp  within  a  day  or  twain 

He  would  assault  the  city's  mighty  wall, 

And  all  the  heathen  there  enclosed  doth  threat, 
With  fire  and  sword,  with  death  and  danger  great. 

And  for  he  had  that  noble  squadron  known, 
In  the  last  fight  which  brought  him  so  great  aid, 
To  be  the  lords  and  princes  of  his  own 
Who  followed  late  the  sly  enticing  maid, 
And  with  them  Tancred,  who  had  late  been  thrown 
In  prison  deep,  by  that  false  witch  betrayed, 
Before  the  hermit  and  some  private  friends, 
For  all  those  worthies,  lords  and  knights,  he  sends ; 

And  thus  he  said,  "  Some  one  of  you  declare 
Your  fortunes,  whether  good  or  to  be  blamed, 
And  to  assist  us  with  your  valors  rare 
In  so  great  need,  how  was  your  coming  framed?" 
They  blush,  and  on  the  ground  amazed  stare, 
For  virtue  is  of  little  guilt  ashamed, 
At  last  the  English  prince  with  countenance  bold, 
The  silence  broke,  and  thus  their  errors  told: 

"  We,  not  elect  to  that  exploit  by  lot, 

With  secret  flight  from  hence  ourselves  withdrew, 

Following  false  Cupid,  I  deny  it  not, 

Enticed  forth  by  love  and  beauty's  hue ; 

A  jealous  fire  burnt  in  our  stomachs  hot, 

And  by  close  ways  we  passed  least  in  view, 
Her  words,  her  looks,  alas  I  know  too  late, 
Nursed  our  love,  our  jealousy,  our  hate. 

"At  last  we  gan  approach  that  woful  clime, 

Where  fire  and  brimstone  down  from  Heaven  was  sent 

To  take  revenge  for  sin  and  shameful  crime 

Gainst  kind  commit,  by  those  who  nould  repent; 

A  loathsome  lake  of  brimstone,  pitch  and  lime, 

O'ergoes  that  land,  erst  sweet  and  redolent, 

And  when  it  moves,  thence  stench  and  smoke  up  flies 
Which  dim  the  welkin  and  infect  the  skies. 


ai6  TASSO 

"  This  is  the  lake  in  which  yet  never  might 
Aught  that  hath  weight  sink  to  the  bottom  down, 
But  like  to  cork  or  leaves  or  feathers  light, 
Stones,  iron,  men,  there  fleet  and  never  drown; 
Therein  a  castle  stands,  to  which  by  sight 
But  o'er  a  narrow  bridge  no  way  is  known, 

Hither  us  brought,  here  welcomed  us  the  witch, 
The  house  within  was  stately,  pleasant,  rich. 

"  The  heavens  were  clear,  and  wholsome  was  the  air, 
High  trees,  sweet  meadows,  waters  pure  and  good; 
For  there  in  thickest  shade  of  myrtles  fair 
A  crystal  spring  poured  out  a  silver  flood ; 
Amid  the  herbs,  the  grass  and  flowers  rare, 
The  falling  leaves  down  pattered  from  the  wood, 
The  birds  sung  hymns  of  love ;  yet  speak  I  naught 
Of  gold  and  marble  rich,  and  richly  wrought. 

"  Under  the  curtain  of  the  greenwood  shade, 
Beside  the  brook  upon  the  velvet  grass, 
In  massy  vessel  of  pure  silver  made, 
A  banquet  rich  and  costly  furnished  was, 
All  beasts,  all  birds  beguiled  by  fowler's  trade, 
All  fish  were  there  in  floods  or  seas  that  pass, 
All  dainties  made  by  art,  and  at  the  table 
An  hundred  virgins  served,  for  husbands  able. 

"  She  with  sweet  words  and  false  enticing  smiles, 
Infused  love  among  the  dainties  set, 
And  with  empoisoned  cups  our  souls  beguiles, 
And  made  each  knight  himself  and  God  forget: 
She  rose  and  turned  again  within  short  whiles, 
With  changed  looks  where  wrath  and  anger  met, 
A  charming  rod,  a  book  with  her  she  brings, 
On  which  she  mumbled  strange  and  secret  things. 

"  She  read,  and  change  I  felt  my  will  and  thought, 
I  longed  to  change  my  life,  and  place  of  biding, 
That  virtue  strange  in  me  no  pleasure  wrought, 
I  leapt  into  the  flood  myself  there  hiding, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  217 

My  legs  and  feet  both  into  one  were  brought, 
Mine  arms  and  hands  into  my  shoulders  sliding, 
My  skin  was  full  of  scales,  like  shields  of  brass, 
Now  made  a  fish,  where  late  a  knight  I  was. 

"  The  rest  with  me  like  shape,  like  garments  wore, 
And  dived  with  me  in  that  quicksilver  stream, 
Such  mind,  to  my  remembrance,  then  I  bore, 
As  when  on  vain  and  foolish  things  men  dream; 
At  last  our  shape  it  pleased  her  to  restore, 
Then  full  of  wonder  and  of  fear  we  seem, 
And  with  an  ireful  look  the  angry  maid 
Thus  threatened  us,  and  made  us  thus  afraid. 

" '  You  see,'  quoth  she,  '  my  sacred  might  and  skill, 
How  you  are  subject  to  my  rule  and  power, 
In  endless  thraldom  damned  if  I  will 
I  can  torment  and  keep  you  in  this  tower, 
Or  make  you  birds,  or  trees  on  craggy  hill, 
To  bide  the  bitter  blasts  of  storm  and  shower; 
Or  harden  you  to  rocks  on  mountains  old, 
Or  melt  your  flesh  and  bones  to  rivers  cold: 

" '  Yet  may  you  well  avoid  mine  ire  and  wrath, 
If  to  my  will  your  yielding  hearts  you  bend, 
You  must  forsake  your  Christendom  and  faith, 
And  gainst  Godfredo  false  my  crown  defend.' 
We  all  refused,  for  speedy  death  each  prayeth, 
Save  false  Rambaldo,  he  became  her  friend, 

We  in  a  dungeon  deep  were  helpless  cast, 

In  misery  and  iron  chained  fast. 

"  Then,  for  alone  they  say  falls  no  mishap, 
Within  short  while  Prince  Tancred  thither  came, 
And  was  unwares  surprised  in  the  trap:- 
But  there  short  while  we  stayed,  the  wily  dame 
In  other  folds  our  mischiefs  would  upwrap. 
From  Hidraort  an  hundred  horsemen  came, 
Whose  guide,  a  baron  bold  to  Egypt's  king, 
Should  us  disarmed  and  bound  in  fetters  bring. 


2i8  TASSO 

"  Now  on  our  way,  the  way  to  death  we  ride, 
But  Providence  Divine  thus  for  us  wrought, 
Rinaldo,  whose  high  virtue  is  his  guide 
To  great  exploits,  exceeding  human  thought, 
Met  us,  and  all  at  once  our  guard  defied, 
And  ere  he  left  the  fight  to  earth  them  brought, 
And  in  their  harness  armed  us  in  the  place, 
Which  late  were  ours,  before  our  late  disgrace. 

"  I  and  all  these  the  hardy  champion  knew, 
We  saw  his  valor,  and  his  voice  we  heard; 
Then  is  the  rumor  of  his  death  untrue, 
His  life  is  safe,  good  fortune  long  it  guard, 
Three  times  the  golden  sun  hath  risen  new, 
Since  us  he  left  and  rode  to  Antioch-ward ; 
But  first  his  armors,  broken,  hacked  and  cleft, 
Unfit  for  service,  there  he  doft  and  left." 

Thus  spake  the  Briton  prince,  with  humble  cheer 
The  hermit  sage  to  heaven  cast  up  his  eyne, 
His  color  and  his  countenance  changed  were, 
With  heavenly  grace  his  looks  and  visage  shine, 
Ravished  with  zeal  his  soul  approached  near 
The  seat  of  angels  pure,  and  saints  divine, 

And  there  he  learned  of  things  and  haps  to  come, 
To  give  foreknowledge  true,  and  certain  doom. 

At  last  he  spoke,  in  more  than  human  sound, 
And  told  what  things  his  wisdom  great  foresaw, 
And  at  his  thundering  voice  the  folk  around 
Attentive  stood,  with  trembling  and  with  awe: 
"  Rinaldo  lives,"  he  said,  "  the  tokens  found 
From  women's  craft  their  false  beginnings  draw, 
He  lives,  and  heaven  will  long  preserve  his  days, 
To  greater  glory,  and  to  greater  praise. 

"These  are  but  trifles  yet,  though  Asia's  kings 
Shrink  at  his  name,  and  tremble  at  his  view, 
I  well  foresee  he  shall  do  greater  things, 
And  wicked  emperors  conquer  and  subdue ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  219 

Under  the  shadow  of  his  eagle's  wings 
Shall  holy  Church  preserve  her  sacred  crew, 
From  Caesar's  bird  he  shall  the  sable  train 
Pluck  off,  and  break  her  talons  sharp  in  twain. 

"  His  children's  children  at  his  hardiness 
And  great  attempts  shall  take  example  fair, 
From  emperors  unjust  in  all  distress 
They  shall  defend  the  state  of  Peter's  chair, 
To  raise  the  humble  up,  pride  to  suppress, 
To  help  the  innocents,  shall  be  their  care. 

This  bird  of  east  shall  fly  with  conquest  great, 
As  far  as  moon  gives  light  or  sun  gives  heat; 

"  Her  eyes  behold  the  truth  and  purest  light, 
And  thunders  down  in  Peter's  aid  she  brings, 
And  where  for  Christ  and  Christian  faith  men  fight, 
There  forth  she  spreadeth  her  victorious  wings, 
This  virtue  nature  gives  her  and  this  might; 
Then  lure  her  home,  for  on  her  presence  hings 
The  happy  end  of  this  great  enterprise, 
So  Heaven  decrees,  and  so  command  the  skies." 

These  words  of  his  of  Prince  Rinaldo's  death 
Out  of  their  troubled  hearts,  the  fear  had  rased; 
In  all  this  joy  yet  Godfrey  smiled  uneath, 
In  his  wise  thought  such  care  and  heed  was  placed. 
But  now  from  deeps  of  regions  underneath 
Night's  veil  arose,  and  sun's  bright  lustre  chased, 
When  all  full  sweetly  in  their  cabins  slept, 
Save  he,  whose  thoughts  his  eyes  still  open  kept 


Classics.    Vol.  35 — K 


ELEVENTH   BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 

With  grave  procession,  songs  and  psalms  devout 
Heaven's  sacred  aid  the  Christian  lords  invoke; 
That  done,  they  scale  the  wall  which  kept  them  out: 
The  fort  is  almost  won,  the  gates  nigh  broke: 
Godfrey  is  wounded  by  Clorinda  stout, 
And  lost  is  that  day's  conquest  by  the  stroke; 

The  angel  cures  him,  he  returns  to  fight, 

But  lost  his  labor,  for  day  lost  his  light. 

THE  Christian  army's  great  and  puissant  guide, 
To  assault  the  town  that  all  his  thoughts  had  bent, 
Did  ladders,  rams,  and  engines  huge  provide, 
When  reverend  Peter  to  him  gravely  went, 
And  drawing  him  with  sober  grace  aside, 
With  words  severe  thus  told  his  high  intent; 

"  Right  well,  my  lord,  these  earthly  strengths  you  move, 
But  let  us  first  begin  from  Heaven  above: 

"  With  public  prayer,  zeal  and  faith  devout, 

The  aid,  assistance,  and  the  help  obtain 

Of  all  the  blessed  of  the  heavenly  rout, 

With  whose  support  you  conquest  sure  may  gain; 

First  let  the  priests  before  thine  armies  stout 

With  sacred  hymns  their  holy  voices  strain. 

And  thou  and  all  thy  lords  and  peers  with  thee, 

Of  godliness  and  faith  examples  be." 

Thus  spake  the  hermit  grave  in  words  severe: 
Godfrey  allowed  his  counsel,  sage,  and  wise, 
"  Of  Christ  the  Lord,"  quoth  he,  "  thou  servant  dear, 
I  yield  to  follow  thy  divine  advice, 

220 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  221 

And  while  the  princes  I  assemble  here, 

The  great  procession,  songs  and  sacrifice, 
With  Bishop  William,  thou  and  Ademare, 
With  sacred  and  with  solemn  pomp  prepare." 

Next  morn  the  bishops  twain,  the  heremite, 
And  all  the  clerks  and  priests  of  less  estate, 
Did  in  the  middest  of  the  camp  unite 
Within  a  place  for  prayer  consecrate, 
Each  priest  adorned  was  in  a  surplice  white, 
The  bishops  donned  their  albes  and  copes  of  state, 
Above  their  rochets  buttoned  fair  before, 
And  mitres  on  their  heads  like  crowns  they  wore. 

Peter  alone,  before,  spread  to  the  wind 
The  glorious  sign  of  our  salvation  great, 
With  easy  pace  the  choir  come  all  behind, 
And  hymns  and  psalms  in  order  true  repeat, 
With  sweet  respondence  in  harmonious  kind 
Their  humble  song  the  yielding  air  doth  beat, 

Lastly,  together  went  the  reverend  pair 

Of  prelates  sage,  William  and  Ademare, 

The  mighty  duke  came  next,  as  princes  do, 
Without  companion,  marching  all  alone, 
The  lords  and  captains  then  came  two  and  two, 
The  soldiers  for  their  guard  were  armed  each  one; 
With  easy  pace  thus  ordered,  passing  through 
The  trench  and  rampire,  to  the  fields  they  gone, 
No  thundering  drum,  no  trumpet  shrill  they  hear, 
Their  godly  music  psalms  and  prayers  were. 

To  thee,  O  Father,  Son,  and  sacred  Sprite, 
One  true,  eternal,  everlasting  King; 
To  Christ's  dear  mother,  Mary,  virgin  bright, 
Psalms  of  thanksgiving  and  of  praise  they  sing; 
To  them  that  angels  down  from  heaven  to  fight 
Gainst  the  blasphemous  beast  and  dragon  bring; 
To  him  also  that  of  our  Saviour  good, 
Washed  the  sacred  font  in  Jordan's  flood. 


S22  TASSO 

Him  likewise  they  invoke,  called  the  Rock 
Whereon  the  Lord,  they  say,  his  Church  did  rear, 
Whose  true  successors  close  or  else  unlock 
The  blessed  gates  of  grace  and  mercy  dear ; 
And  all  the  elected  twelve  the  chosen  flock, 
Of  his  triumphant  death  who  witness  bear; 
And  them  by  torment,  slaughter,  fire  and  sword 
Who  martyrs  died  to  confirm  his  word ; 

And  them  also  whose  books  and  writings  tell 
What  certain  path  to  heavenly  bliss  us  leads; 
And  hermits  good,  and  ancresses  that  dwell 
Mewed  up  in  walls,  and  mumble  on  their  beads, 
And  virgin  nuns  in  close  and  private  cell, 
Where,  but  shrift  fathers,  never  mankind  treads: 
On  these  they  called,  and  on  all  the  rout 
Of  angels,  martyrs,  and  of  saints  devout. 

Singing  and  saying  thus,  the  camp  devout 
Spread  forth  her  zealous  squadrons  broad  and  wide; 
Toward  mount  Olivet  went  all  this  route, 
So  called  of  olive  trees  the  hills  which  hide, 
A  mountain  known  by  fame  the  world  throughout, 
Which  riseth  on  the  city's  eastern  side, 
From  it  divided  by  the  valley  green 
Of  Josaphat,  that  fills  the  space  between. 

Hither  the  armies  went,  and  chanted  shrill, 
That  all  the  deep  and  hollow  dales  resound; 
From  hollow  mounts  and  caves  in  every  hill, 
A  thousand  echoes  also  sung  around, 
It  seemed  some  choir,  that  sung  with  art  and  skill, 
Dwelt  in  those  savage  dens  and  shady  ground, 
For  oft  resounded  from  the  banks  they  hear, 
The  name  of  Christ  and  of  his  mother  dear. 

Upon  the  walls  the  Pagans  old  and  young 
Stood  hushed  and  still,  amated  and  amazed, 
At  their  grave  order  and  their  humble  song, 
At  their  strange  pomp  and  customs  new  they  gazed : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  123 

But  when  the  show  they  had  beholden  long, 
An  hideous  yell  the  wicked  miscreants  raised, 
That  with  vile  blasphemies  the  mountain  hoar, 
The  woods,  the  waters,  and  the  valleys  roar. 

But  yet  with  sacred  notes  the  hosts  proceed, 
Though  blasphemies  they  hear  and  cursed  things; 
So  with  Apollo's  harp  Pan  tunes  his  reed, 
So  adders  hiss  where  Philomela  sings; 
Nor  flying  darts  nor  stones  the  Christians  dreed, 
Nor  arrows  shot,  nor  quarries  cast  from  slings ; 
But  with  assured  faith,  as  dreading  naught, 
The  holy  work  begun  to  end  they  brought. 

A  table  set  they  on  the  mountain's  height 

To  minister  thereon  the  sacrament, 

In  golden  candlesticks  a  hallowed  light 

At  either  end  of  virgin  wax  there  brent; 

In  costly  vestments  sacred  William  dight, 

With  fear  and  trembling  to  the  altar  went, 
And  prayer  there  and  service  loud  begins, 
Both  for  his  own  and  all  the  army's  sins. 

Humbly  they  heard  his  words  that  stood  him  nigh, 

The  rest  far  off  upon  him  bent  their  eyes, 

But  when  he  ended  had  the  service  high, 

"  You  servants  of  the  Lord  depart,"  he  cries : 

His  hands  he  lifted  then  up  to  the  sky, 

And  blessed  all  those  warlike  companies; 

And  they  dismissed  returned  the  way  they  came, 
Their  order  as  before,  their  pomp  the  same. 

Within  their  camp  arrived,  this  voyage  ended, 
Toward  his  tent  the  duke  himself  withdrew, 
Upon  their  guide  by  heaps  the  bands  attended, 
Till  his  pavilion's  stately  door  they  view, 
There  to  the  Lord  his  welfare  they  commended, 
And  with  him  left  the  worthies  of  the  crew, 
Whom  at  a  costly  and  rich  feast  he  placed, 
And  with  the  highest  room  old  Raymond  graced. 


124 


TASSO 

Now  when  the  hungry  knights  sufficed  are 
With  meat,  with  drink,  with  spices  of  the  best, 
Quoth  he,  "  When  next  you  see  the  morning  star, 
To  assault  the  town  be  ready  all  and  prest : 
To-morrow  is  a  day  of  pains  and  war, 
This  of  repose,  of  quiet,  peace,  and  rest ; 

Go,  take  your  ease  this  evening,  and  this  night, 
And  make  you  strong  against  to-morrow's  fight" 

They  took  their  leave,  and  Godfrey's  heralds  rode 
To  intimate  his  will  on  every  side, 
And  published  it  through  all  the  lodgings  broad, 
That  gainst  the  morn  each  should  himself  provide; 
Meanwhile  they  might  their  hearts  of  cares  unload, 
And  rest  their  tired  limbs  that  eveningtide; 
Thus  fared  they  till  night  their  eyes  did  close, 
Night  friend  to  gentle  rest  and  sweet  repose. 

With  little  sign  as  yet  of  springing  day 
Out  peeped,  not  well  appeared  the  rising  morn, 
The  plough  yet  tore  not  up  the  fertile  lay, 
Nor  to  their  feed  the  sheep  from  folds  return, 
The  birds  sate  silent  on  the  greenwood  spray 
Amid  the  groves  unheard  was  hound  and  horn, 
When  trumpets  shrill,  true  signs  of  hardy  fights, 
Called  up  to  arms  the  soldiers,  called  the  knights: 

"  Arm,  arm  at  once !  "  an  hundred  squadrons  cried, 
And  with  their  cry  to  arm  them  all  begin. 
Godfrey  arose,  that  day  he  laid  aside 
His  hauberk  strong  he  wonts  to  combat  in, 
And  donned  a  breastplate  fair,  of  proof  untried, 
Such  one  as  footmen  use,  light,  easy,  thin. 

Scantly  their  lord  thus  clothed  had  his  gromes; 

When  aged  Raymond  to  his  presence  comes. 

And  furnished  thus  when  he  the  man  beheld, 

By  his  attire  his  secret  thought  he  guessed, 

"  Where  is,"  quoth  he,  "  your  sure  and  trusty  shield? 

Your  helm,  your  hauberk  strong?  where  all  the  rest? 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  225 

Why  be  you  half  disarmed?  why  to  the  field 
Approach  you  in  these  weak  defences  dressed? 
I  see  this  day  you  mean  a  course  to  run, 
Wherein  may  peril  much,  small  praise  be  won. 

"  Alas,  do  you  that  idle  praise  expect, 
To  set  first  foot  this  conquered  wall  above? 
Of  less  account  some  knight  thereto  object 
Whose  loss  so  great  and  harmful  cannot  prove; 
My  lord,  your  life  with  greater  care  protect, 
And  love  yourself  because  all  us  you  love, 
Your  happy  life  is  spirit,  soul,  and  breath 
Of  all  this  camp,  preserve  it  then  from  death." 

To  this  he  answered  thus,  "  You  know,"  he  said, 

"  In  Clarimont  by  mighty  Urban's  hand 

When  I  was  girded  with  this  noble  blade, 

For  Christ's  true  faith  to  fight  in  every  land, 

To  God  even  then  a  secret  vow  I  made, 

Not  as  a  captain  here  this  day  to  stand 
And  give  directions,  but  with  shield  and  sword 
To  fight,  to  win,  or  die  for  Christ  my  Lord. 

"  When  all  this  camp  in  battle  strong  shall  be 

Ordained  and  ordered,  well  disposed  all, 

And  all  things  done  which  to  the  high  degree 

And  sacred  place  I  hold  belongen  shall ; 

Then  reason  is  it,  nor  dissuade  thou  me, 

That  I  likewise  assault  this  sacred  wall, 

Lest  from  my  vow  to  God  late  made  I  swerve: 
He  shall  this  life  defend,  keep  and  preserve." 

Thus  he  concludes,  and  every  hardy  knight 
His  sample  followed,  and  his  brethren  twain, 
The  other  princes  put  on  harness  light, 
As  footmen  use:  but  all  the  Pagan  train 
Toward  that  side  bent  their  defensive  might 
Which  lies  exposed  to  view  of  Charles's  wain 
And  Zephyrus'  sweet  blasts,  for  on  that  part 
The  town  was  weakest,  both  by  site  and  art. 


226  TASSO 

On  all  parts  else  the  fort  was  strong  by  site, 
With  mighty  hills  defenced  from  foreign  rage, 
And  to  this  part  the  tyrant  gan  unite 
His  subjects  horn  and  bands  that  serve  for  wage, 
From  this  exploit  he  spared  nor  great  nor  lite, 
The  aged  men,  and  boys  of  tender  age, 

To  fire  of  angry  war  still  brought  new  fuel, 
Stones,  darts,  lime,  brimstone  and  bitumen  cruel. 

All  full  of  arms  and  weapons  was  the  wall, 
Under  whose  basis  that  fair  plain  doth  run, 
There  stood  the  Soldan  like  a  giant  tall, 
So  stood  at  Rhodes  the  Coloss  of  the  sun, 
Waist  high,  Argantes  showed  himself  withal, 
At  whose  stern  looks  the  French  to  quake  begun, 
Clorinda  on  the  corner  tower  alone, 
In  silver  arms  like  rising  Cynthia  shone. 

Her  rattling  quiver  at  her  shoulders  hung, 
Therein  a  flash  of  arrows  feathered  weel. 
In  her  left  hand  her  bow  was  bended  strong, 
Therein  a  shaft  headed  with  mortal  steel, 
So  fit  to  shoot  she  singled  forth  among 
Her  foes  who  first  her  quarries'  strength  should  feel, 
So  fit  to  shoot  Latona's  daughter  stood 
When  Niobe  she  killed  and  all  her  brood. 

The  aged  tyrant  tottered  on  his  feet 
From  gate  to  gate,  from  wall  to  wall  he  flew, 
He  comforts  all  his  bands  with  speeches  sweet, 
.    And  every  fort  and  bastion  doth  review, 
For  every  need  prepared  in  every  street 
New  regiments  he  placed  and  weapons  new. 
The  matrons  grave  within  their  temples  high 
To  idols  false  for  succors  call  and  cry, 

"  O  Macon,  break  in  twain  the  steeled  lance 
Of  wicked  Godfrey  with  thy  righteous  hands, 
Against  thy  name  he  doth  his  arm  advance, 
His  rebel  blood  pour  out  upon  these  sands ; " 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

These  cries  within  his  ears  no  enterance 
Could  find,  for  naught  he  hears,  naught  understands. 
While  thus  the  town  for  her  defence  ordains, 
His  armies  Godfrey  ordereth  on  the  plains; 

His  forces  first  on  foot  he  forward  brought, 
With  goodly  order,  providence  and  art, 
And  gainst  these  towers  which  to  assail  he  thought, 
In  battles  twain  his  strength  he  doth  depart, 
Between  them  crossbows  stood,  and  engines  wrought 
To  cast  a  stone,  a  quarry,  or  a  dart, 

From  whence  like  thunder's  dint  or  lightnings  new 
Against  the  bulwark  stones  and  lances  flew 

His  men  at  arms  did  back  his  bands  on  foot, 
The  light  horse  ride  far  off  and  serve  for  wings, 
He  gave  the  sign,  so  mighty  was  the  rout 
Of  those  that  shot  with  bows  and  cast  with  slings, 
Such  storms  of  shafts  and  stones  flew  all  about, 
That  many  a  Pagan  proud  to  death  it  brings, 

Some  died,  some  at  their  loops  durst  scant  outpeepr 
Some  fled  and  left  the  place  they  took  to  keep. 

The  hardy  Frenchmen,  full  of  heat  and  haste, 
Ran  boldly  forward  to  the  ditches  large, 
And  o'er  their  heads  an  iron  pentice  vast 
They  built,  by  joining  many  a  shield  and  targe, 
Some  with  their  engines  ceaseless  shot  and  cast, 
And  volleys  huge  of  arrows  sharp  discharge, 
Upon  the  ditches  some  employed  their  pain 
To  fill  the  moat  and  even  it  with  the  plain. 

With  slime  or  mud  the  ditches  were  not  soft, 
But  dry  and  sandy,  void  of  waters  clear, 
Though  large  and  deep  the  Christians  fill  them  oft, 
With  rubbish,  fagots,  stones,  and  trees  they  bear: 
Adrastus  first  advanced  his  crest  aloft, 
And  boldly  gan  a  strong  scalado  rear, 

And  through  the  falling  storm  did  upward  climb 
Of  stones,  darts,  arrows,  fire,  pitch  and  lime: 


az8  TASSO 

The  hardy  Switzer  now  so  far  was  gone 
That  half  way  up  with  mickle  pain  he  got, 
A  thousand  weapons  he  sustained  alone, 
And  his  audacious  climbing  ceased  not; 
At  last  upon  him  fell  a  mighty  stone, 
As  from  some  engine  great  it  had  been  shot, 
It  broke  his  helm,  he  tumbled  from  the  height, 
The  strong  Circassian  cast  that  wondrous  weight; 

Not  mortal  was  the  blow,  yet  with  the  fall 
On  earth  sore  bruised  the  man  lay  in  a  swoon. 
Argantes  gan  with  boasting  words  to  call, 
"  Who  cometh  next?  this  first  is  tumbled  down, 
Come,  hardy  soldiers,  come,  assault  this  wall, 
I  will  not  shrink,  nor  fly,  nor  hide  my  crown, 
If  in  your  trench  yourselves  for  dread  you  hold, 
There  shall  you  die  like  sheep  killed  in  their  fold." 

Thus  boasted  he;  but  in  their  trenches  deep, 
The  hidden  squadrons  kept  themselves  from  scath, 
The  curtain  made  of  shields  did  well  off  keep 
Both  darts  and  shot,  and  scorned  all  their  wrath. 
But  now  the  ram  upon  the  rampiers  steep, 
On  mighty  beams  his  head  advanced  hath, 
With  dreadful  horns  of  iron  tough  tree  great, 
The  walls  and  bulwarks  trembled  at  his  threat. 

An  hundred  able  men  meanwhile  let  fall 
The  weights  behind,  the  engine  tumbled  down 
And  battered  flat  the  battlements  and  wall: 
So  fell  Taigetus  hill  on  Sparta  town, 
It  crushed  the  steeled  shield  in  pieces  small, 
And  beat  the  helmet  to  the  wearers'  crown, 
And  on  the  ruins  of  the  walls  and  stones, 
Dispersed  left  their  blood  their  brains  and 

The  fierce  assailants  kept  no  longer  close 
Under  the  shelter  of  their  target  fine, 
But  their  bold  fronts  to  chance  of  war  expose, 
And  gainst  those  towers  let  their  virtue  shine, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  219 

The  scaling  ladders  up  to  skies  arose, 
The  ground-works  deep  some  closely  undermine, 
The  walls  before  the  Frenchmen  shrink  and  shake, 
And  gaping  sign  of  headlong  falling  make : 

And  fallen  they  had,  so  far  the  strength  extends 
Of  that  fierce  ram  and  his  redoubted  stroke, 
But  that  the  Pagan's  care  the  place  defends 
And  saved  by  warlike  skill  the  wall  nigh  broke: 
For  to  what  part  soe'er  the  engine  bends, 
Their  sacks  of  wool  they  place  the  blow  to  choke, 

Whose  yielding  breaks  the  strokes  thereon  which  light, 
So  weakness  oft  subdues  the  greatest  might. 

While  thus  the  worthies  of  the  western  crew 
Maintained  their  brave  assault  and  skirmish  hot, 
Her  mighty  bow  Clorinda  often  drew, 
And  many  a  sharp  and  deadly  arrow  shot; 
And  from  her  bow  no  steeled  shaft  there  flew 
But  that  some  blood  the  cursed  engine  got, 
Blood  of  some  valiant  knight  or  man  of  fame, 
For  that  proud  shootress  scorned  weaker  game. 

The  first  she  hit  among  the  Christian  peers 
Was  the  bold  son  of  England's  noble  king, 
Above  the  trench  himself  he  scantly  rears, 
But  she  an  arrow  loosed  from  the  string, 
The  wicked  steel  his  gauntlet  breaks  and  tears, 
And  through  his  right  hand  thrust  the  piercing  sting ; 
Disabled  thus  from  fight,  he  gan  retiro, 
Groaning  for  pain,  but  fretting  more  for  ire. 

Lord  Stephen  of  Amboise  on  the  ditch's  brim, 
And  on  a  ladder  high,  Clotharius  died, 
From  back  to  breast  an  arrow  pierced  him, 
The  other  was  shot  through  from  side  to  side: 
Then  as  he  managed  brave  his  courser  trim, 
On  his  left  arm  he  hit  the  Flemings'  guide, 

He  stopped,  and  from  the  wound  the  reed  out-twined, 

But  left  the  iron  in  his  flesh  behind. 


§30 


TASSO 

As  Ademare  stood  to  behold  the  fight 
High  on  the  bank,  withdrawn  to  breathe  a  spac«, 
A  fatal  shaft  upon  his  forehead  light, 
His  hand  he  lifted  up  to  feel  the  place, 
Whereon  a  second  arrow  chanced  right, 
And  nailed  his  hand  unto  his  wounded  face, 
He  fell,  and  with  his  blood  distained  the  land, 
His  holy  blood  shed  by  a  virgin's  hand. 

While  Palamede  stood  near  the  battlement, 
Despising  perils  all,  and  all  mishap, 
And  upward  still  his  hardy  footings  bent, 
On  his  right  eye  he  caught  a  deadly  clap, 
Through  his  right  eye  Clorinda's  seventh  shaft  went, 
And  in  his  neck  broke  forth  a  bloody  gap; 
He  underneath  that  bulwark  dying  fell, 
Which  late  to  scale  and  win  he  trusted  well. 

Thus  shot  the  maid :  the  duke  with  hard  assay 
And  sharp  assault,  meanwhile  the  town  oppressed, 
Against  that  part  which  to  his  campward  lay 
An  engine  huge  and  wondrous  he  addressed, 
A  tower  of  wood  built  for  the  town's  decay 
As  high  as  were  the  walls  and  bulwarks  best, 
A  turret  full  of  men  and  weapons  pent, 
And  yet  on  wheels  it  rolled,  moved,  and  went 

This  rolling  fort  his  nigh  approaches  made, 
And  darts  and  arrows  spit  against  his  foes, 
As  ships  are  wont  in  fight,  so  it  assayed 
With  the  strong  wall  to  grapple  and  to  close, 
The  Pagans  on  each  side  the  piece  invade, 
And  all  their  force  against  this  mass  oppose, 
Sometimes  the  wheels,  sometimes  the  battlement 
With  timber,  logs  and  stones,  they  broke  and  rent, 

So  thick  flew  stones  and  darts,  that  no  man  sees 
The  azure  heavens,  the  sun  his  brightness  lost, 
The  clouds  of  weapons,  like  to  swarms  of  bees, 
Met  in  the  air,  and  there  each  other  crossed: 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  231 

And  look  how  falling  leaves  drop  down  from  trees, 
When  the  moist  sap  is  nipped  with  timely  frost, 

Or  apples  in  strong  winds  from  branches  fall; 

The  Saracens  so  tumbled  from  the  wall. 

For  on  their  part  the  greatest  slaughter  light, 
They  had  no  shelter  gainst  so  sharp  a  shower, 
Some  left  on  live  betook  themselves  to  flight, 
So  feared  they  this  deadly  thundering  tower: 
But  Solyman  stayed  like  a  valiant  knight, 
And  some  with  him,  that  trusted  in  his  power, 
Argantes  with  a  long  beech  tree  in  hand, 
Ran  thither,  this  huge  engine  to  withstand : 

With  this  he  pushed  the  tower,  and  back  it  drives 

The  length  of  all  his  tree,  a  wondrous  way, 

The  hardy  virgin  by  his  side  arrives, 

To  help  Argantes  in  this  hard  assay : 

The  band  that  used  the  ram,  this  season  strives 

To  cut  the  cords,  wherein  the  woolpacks  lay, 

Which  done,  the  sacks  down  in  the  trenches  fall, 

And  to  the  battery  naked  left  the  wall. 

The  tower  above,  the  ram  beneath  doth  thunder, 
What  lime  and  stone  such  puissance  could  abide? 
The  wall  began,  new  bruised  and  crushed  asunder, 
Her  wounded  lap  to  open  broad  and  wide, 
Godfrey  himself  and  his  brought  safely  under 
The  shattered  wall,  where  greatest  breach  he  spied, 
Himself  he  saves  behind  his  mighty  targe, 
A  shield  not  used  but  in  some  desperate  charge. 

From  hence  he  sees  where  Solyman  descends, 
Down  to  the  threshold  of  the  gaping  breach, 
And  there  it  seems  the  mighty  prince  intends 
Godfredo's  hoped  entrance  to  impeach : 
Argantes,  and  with  him'  the  maid,  defends 
The  walls  above,  to  which  the  tower  doth  reach, 
His  noble  heart,  when  Godfrey  this  beheld, 
With  courage  new  with  wrath  and  valor  swelled. 


232  TASSO 

He  turned  about  and  to  good  Sigiere  spake, 

Who  bare  his  greatest  shield  and  mighty  bow, 

"  That  sure  and  trusty  target  let  me  take, 

Impenetrable  is  that  shield  I  know, 

Over  these  ruins  will  I  passage  make, 

And  enter  first,  the  way  is  eath  and  low, 

And  time  requires  that  by  some  noble  feat 

I  should  make  known  my  strength  and  puissance  great.' 

He  scant  had  spoken,  scant  received  the  charge, 
When  on  his  leg  a  sudden  shaft  him  hit, 
And  through  that  part  a  hole  made  wide  and  large, 
Where  his  strong  sinews  fastened  were  and  knit. 
Clorinda,  thou  this  arrow  didst  discharge, 
And  let  the  Pagans  bless  thy  hand  for  it, 
For  by  that  shot  thou  savedst  them  that  day 
From  bondage  vile,  from  death  and  sure  decay. 

The  wounded  duke,  as  though  he  felt  no  pain, 
Still  forward  went,  and  mounted  up  the  breach 
His  high  attempt  at  first  he  nould  refrain, 
And  after  called  his  lords  with  cheerful  speech ; 
But  when  his  leg  could  not  his  weight  sustain, 
He  saw  his  will  did  far  his  power  outreach, 

And  more  he  strove  his  grief  increased  the  more, 
The  bold  assault  he  left  at  length  therefore : 

And  with  his  hand  he  beckoned  Guelpho  near, 
And  said,  "  I  must  withdraw  me  to  my  tent, 
My  place  and  person  in  mine  absence  bear, 
Supply  my  want,  let  not  the  fight  relent, 
I  go,  and  will  ere  long  again  be  here ; 
I  go  and  straight  return :  "  this  said,  he  went, 
On  a  light  steed  he  leaped,  and  o'er  the  green 
He  rode,  but  rode  not,  as  he  thought,  unseen. 

When  Godfrey  parted,  parted  eke  the  heart, 
The  strength  and  fortune  of  the  Christian  bands, 
Courage  increased  in  their  adverse  part, 
Wrath  in  their  hearts,  and  vigor  in  their  hands : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  333 

Valor,  success,  strength,  hardiness  and  art, 

Failed  in  the  princes  of  the  western  lands, 

Their  swords  were  blunt,  faint  was  their  trumpet's  blast, 
Their  sun  was  set,  or  else  with  clouds  o'ercast. 

Upon  the  bulwarks  now  appeared  bold 
That  fearful  band  that  late  for  dread  was  fled ! 
The  women  that  Clorinda's  strength  behold, 
Their  country's  love  to  war  encouraged, 
They  weapons  got,  and  fight  like  men  they  would, 
Their  gowns  tucked  up,  their  locks  were  loose  and  spread, 
Sharp  darts  they  cast,  and  without  dread  or  fear, 
Exposed  their  breasts  to  save  their  fortress  dear. 

But  that  which  most  dismayed  the  Christian  knights, 
And  added  courage  to  the  Pagans  most, 
Was  Guelpho's  sudden  fall  in  all  men's  sights, 
Who  tumbled  headlong  down,  his  footing  lost, 
A  mighty  stone  upon  the  worthy  lights, 
But  whence  it  came  none  wist,  nor  from  what  coast ; 
And  with  like  blow,  which  more  their  hearts  dismayed, 
Beside  him  low  in  dust  old  Raymond  laid : 

And  Eustace  eke  within  the  ditches  large, 
To  narrow  shifts  and  last  extremes  they  drive, 
Upon  their  foes  so  fierce  the  Pagans  charge, 
And  with  good-fortune  so  their  blows  they  give, 
That  whom  they  hit,  in  spite  of  helm  or  targe, 
They  deeply  wound,  or  else  of  life  deprive. 
At  this  their  good  success  Argantes  proud, 
Waxing  more  fell,  thus  roared  and  cried  aloud : 

"  This  is  not  Antioch,  nor  the  evening  dark 
Can  help  your  privy  sleights  with  friendly  shade, 
The  sun  yet  shines,  your  falsehood  can  we  mark, 
In  other  wise  this  bold  assault  is  made ; 
Of  praise  and  glory  quenched  is  the  spark 
That  made  you  first  these  eastern  lands  invade, 

Why  cease  you  now?  why  take  you  not  this  fort? 

What !  are  you  weary  for  a  charge  so  short  ?  " 


TASSO 

Thus  raged  he,  and  in  such  hellish  sort 
Increased  the  fury  in  the  brain-sick  knight, 
That  he  esteemed  that  large  and  ample  fort 
Too  strait  a  field,  wherein  to  prove  his  might, 
There  where  the  breach  had  framed  a  new-made  port. 
Himself  he  placed,  with  nimble  skips  and  light, 
He  cleared  the  passage  out,  and  thus  he  cried 
To  Solyman,  that  fought  close  by  his  side: 

"Come,  Solyman,  the  time  and  place  behold, 
That  of  our  valors  well  may  judge  the  doubt, 
What  sayest  thou?  amongst  these  Christiana  bold, 
First  leap  he  forth  that  holds  himself  most  stout : " 
While  thus  his  will  the  mighty  champion  told, 
Both  Solyman  and  he  at  once  leaped  out, 
Fury  the  first  provoked,  disdain  the  last, 
Who  scorned  the  challenge  ere  his  lips  it  passed. 

Upon  their  foes  unlooked-for  they  flew, 
Each  spited  other  for  his  virtue's  sake, 
So  many  soldiers  this  fierce  couple  slew, 
So  many  shields  they  cleft  and  helms  they  break, 
So  many  ladders  to  the  earth  they  threw, 
That  well  they  seemed  a  mount  thereof  to  make, 
Or  else  some  vamure  fit  to  save  the  town, 
Instead  of  that  the  Christians  late  beat  down. 

The  folk  that  strove  with  rage  and  haste  before 
Who  first  the  wall  and  rampire  should  ascend, 
Retire,  and  for  that  honor  strive  no  more, 
Scantly  they  could  their  limbs  and  lives  defend, 
They  fled,  their  engines  lost  the  Pagans  tore 
In  pieces  small,  their  rams  to  naught  they  rend, 

And  all  unfit  for  further  service  make 

With  so  great  force  and  rage  their  beams  they  brake. 

The  Pagans  ran  transported  with  their  ire, 

Now  here,  now  there,  and  woful  slaughters  wrought, 

At  last  they  called  for  devouring  fire, 

Two  burning  pines  against  the  tower  they  brought. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  135 

So  from  the  palace  of  their  hellish  sire, 
When  all  this  world  they  would  consume  to  naught, 
The  fury  sisters  come  with  fire  in  hands, 
Shaking  their  snaky  locks  and  sparkling  brands: 

But  noble  Tancred,  who  this  while  applied 

Grave  exhortations  to  his  bold  Latines, 

When  of  these  knights  the  wondrous  acts  he  spied, 

And  saw  the  champions  with  their  burning  pines, 

He  left  his  talk,  and  thither  forthwith  hied, 

To  stop  the  rage  of  those  fell  Saracines. 

And  with  such  force  the  fight  he  there  renewed, 
That  now  they  fled  and  lost  who  late  pursued. 

Thus  changed  the  state  and  fortune  of  the  fray, 
Meanwhile  the  wounded  duke,  in  grief  and  teen, 
Within  his  great  pavilion  rich  and  gay, 
Good  Sigiere  and  Baldwin  stood  between; 
His  other  friends  whom  his  mishap  dismay, 
With  grief  and  tears  about  assembled  been : 
He  strove'  in  haste  the  weapon  out  to  wind, 
And  broke  the  reed,  but  left  the  head  behind. 

He  bade  them  take  the  speediest  way  they  might, 
Of  that  unlucky  hurt  to  make  him  sound, 
And  to  lay  ope  the  depth  thereof  to  sight, 
He  willed  them  open,  search  and  lance  the  wound, 
"  Send  me  again,"  quoth  he,  "  to  end  this  fight, 
Before  the  sun  be  sunken  under  ground ; " 
And  leaning  on  a  broken  spear,  he  thrust 
His  leg  straight  out,  to  him  that  cure  it  must 

Erotimus,  born  on  the  banks  of  Po, 

Was  he  that  undertook  to  cure  the  knight, 

All  what  green  herbs  or  waters  pure  could  do, 

He  knew  their  power,  their  virtue,  and  their  might, 

A  noble  poet  was  the  man  also, 

But  in  this  science  had  a  more  delight, 

He  could  restore  to  health  death-wounded  men, 
And  make  their  names  immortal  with  his  pen. 


236  TASSO 

The  mighty  duke  yet  never  changed  cheer, 
But  grieved  to  see  his  friends  lamenting  stand ; 
The  leech  prepared  his  cloths  and  cleansing  gear, 
And  with  a  belt  his  gown  about  him  band, 
Now  with  his  herbs  the  steely  head  to  tear 
Out  of  the  flesh  he  proved,  now  with  his  hand, 
Now  with  his  hand,  now  with  his  instrument 
He  shaked  and  plucked  it,  yet  not  forth  it  went. 

His  labor  vain,  his  art  prevailed  naught, 

His  luck  was  ill,  although  his  skill  were  good, 

To  such  extremes  the  wounded  prince  he  brought, 

That  with  fell  pain  he  swooned  as  he  stood: 

But  the  angel  pure,  that  kept  him,  went  and  sought 

Divine  dictamnum,  out  of  Ida  wood, 

This  herb  is  rough,  and  bears  a  purple  flower, 
And  in  his  budding  leaves  lies  all  his  power. 

Kind  nature  first  upon  the  craggy  clift 
Bewrayed  this  herb  unto  the  mountain  goat, 
That  when  her  sides  a  cruel  shaft  hath  rift, 
With  it  she  shakes  the  reed  out  of  her  coat; 
This  in  a  moment  fetched  the  angel  swift, 
And  brought  from  Ida  hill,  though  far  remote. 
The  juice  whereof  in  a  prepared  bath 
Unseen  the  blessed  spirit  poured  hath. 

Pure  nectar  from  that  spring  of  Lydia  than, 
And  panaces  divine  therein  he  threw, 
The  cunning  leech  to  bathe  the  wound  began, 
And  of  itself  the  steely  head  outflew; 
The  bleeding  stanched,  no  vermile  drop  outran, 
The  leg  again  waxed  strong  with  vigor  new : 
Erotimus  cried  out,  "  This  hurt  and  wound 
No  human  art  or  hand  so  soon  makes  sound : 

"  Some  angel  good  I  think  come  down  from  skies 
Thy  surgeon  is,  for  here  plain  tokens  are 
Of  grace  divine  which  to  thy  help  applies, 
Thy  weapon  take  and  haste  again  to  war." 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  237 

In  precious  cloths  his  leg  the  chieftain  ties, 
Naught  could  the  man  from  blood  and  fight  debar; 
A  sturdy  lance  in  his  right  hand  he  braced, 
His  shield  he  took,  and  on  his  helmet  laced: 

And  with  a  thousand  knights  and  barons  bold, 
Toward  the  town  he  hasted  from  his  camp, 
In  clouds  of  dust  was  Titan's  face  enrolled, 
Trembled  the  earth  whereon  the  worthies  stamp, 
His  foes  far  off  his  dreadful  looks  behold, 
Which  in  their  hearts  of  courage  quenched  the  lamp, 
A  chilling  fear  ran  cold  through  every  vein, 
Lord  Godfrey  shouted  thrice  and  all  his  train: 

Their  sovereign's  voice  his  hardy  people  knew, 
And  his  loud  cries  that  cheered  each  fearful  heart ; 
Thereat  new  strength  they  took  and  courage  new, 
And  to  the  fierce  assault  again  they  start. 
The  Pagans  twain  this  while  themselves  withdrew 
Within  the  breach  to  save  that  battered  part, 
And  with  great  loss  a  skirmish  hot  they  hold 
Against  Tancredi  and  his  squadron  bold. 

Thither  came  Godfrey  armed  round  about 
In  trusty  plate,  with  fierce  and  dreadful  look ; 
At  first  approach  against  Argantes  stout 
Headed  with  poignant  steel  a  lance  he  shook, 
No  casting  engine  with  such  force  throws  out 
A  knotty  spear,  and  as  the  way  it  took, 
It  whistled  in  the  air,  the  fearless  knight 
Opposed  his  shield  against  that  weapon's  might. 

The  dreadful  blow  quite  through  his  target  drove, 
And  bored  through  his  breastplate  strong  and  thick, 
The  tender  skin  it  in  his  bosom  rove, 
The  purple-blood  out-streamed  from  the  quick; 
To  wrest  it  out  the  wounded  Pagan  strove 
And  little  leisure  gave  it  there  to  stick; 
At  Godfrey's  head  the  lance  again  he  cast, 
And  said,  "  Lo,  there  again  thy  dart  thou  hast." 


238  TASSO 

The  spear  flew  back  the  way  it  lately  came, 
And  would  revenge  the  harm  itself  had  done, 
But  missed  the  mark  whereat  the  man  did  aim, 
He  stepped  aside  the  furious  blow  to  shun : 
But  Sigiere  in  his  throat  received  the  same, 
The  murdering  weapon  at  his  neck  out-run, 

Nor  aught  it  grieved  the  man  to  lose  his  breath, 
Since  in  his  prince's  stead  he  suffered  death. 

Even  then  the  Soldan  struck  with  monstrous  main 
The  noble  leader  of  the  Norman  band, 
He  reeled  awhile  and  staggered  with  the  pain, 
And  wheeling  round  fell  grovelling  on  the  sand: 
Godfrey  no  longer  could  the  grief  sustain 
Of  these  displeasures,  but  with  flaming  brand, 
Up  to  the  breach  in  heat  and  haste  he  goes, 
And  hand  to  hand  there  combats  with  his  foes; 

And  there  great  wonders  surely  wrought  he  had, 
Mortal  the  fight,  and  fierce  had  been  the  fray, 
But  that  dark  night,  from  her  pavilion  sad, 
Her  cloudy  wings  did  on  the  earth  display, 
Her  quiet  shades  she  interposed  glad 
To  cause  the  knights  their  arms  aside  to  lay ; 
Godfrey  withdrew,  and  to  their  tents  they  wend, 
And  thus  this  bloody  day  was  brought  to  end. 

The  weak  and  wounded  ere  he  left  the  field, 
The  godly  duke  to  safety  thence  conveyed, 
Nor  to  his  foes  his  engines  would  he  yield, 
In  them  his  hope  to  win  the  fortress  laid ; 
Then  to  the  tower  he  went,  and  it  beheeld, 
The  tower  that  late  the  Pagan  lords  dismayed 

But  now  stood  bruised,  broken,  cracked  and  shivered, 
From  some  sharp  storm  as  it  were  late  delivered. 

From  dangers  great  escaped,  but  late  it  was, 
And  now  to  safety  brought  well-nigh  it  seems, 
But  as  a  ship  that  under  sail  doth  pass 
The  roaring  billows  and  the  raging  streams, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  139 

And  drawing  nigh  the  wished  port,  alas, 
Breaks  on  some  hidden  rocks  her  ribs  and  beams; 
Or  as  a  steed  rough  ways  that  well  hath  passed, 
Before  his  inn  stumbleth  and  falls  at  last: 

Such  hap  befell  that  tower,  for  on  that  side 
Gainst  which  the  Pagans'  force  and  battery  bend, 
Two  wheels  were  broke  whereon  the  piece  should  ride, 
The  maimed  engine  could  no  further  wend, 
The  troop  that  guarded  it  that  part  provide 
To  underprop  with  posts,  and  it  defend 
Till  carpenters  and  cunning  workmen  came 
Whose  skill  should  help  and  rear  again  the  same. 

Thus  Godfrey  bids,  and  that  ere  springing-day, 
The  cracks  and  bruises  all  amend  they  should, 
Each  open  passage,  and  each  privy  way 
About  the  piece,  he  kept  with  soldiers  bold : 
But  the  loud  rumor,  both  of  that  they  say, 
And  that  they  do,  is  heard  within  the  hold, 

A  thousand  lights  about  the  tower  they  view, 

And  what  they  wrought  all  night  both  saw  and  knevr. 


TWELFTH   BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 

Clorinda  hears  her  eunuch  old  report 

Her  birth,  her  offspring,  and  her  native  land; 

Disguised  she  fireth  Godfrey's  rolling  fort. 

The  burned  piece  falls  smoking  on  the  sand: 

With  Tancred  long  unknown  in  desperate  sort 

She  fights,  and  falls  through  pierced  with  his  brand: 

Christened  she  dies;  with  sighs,  with  plaints  and  tears. 

He  wails  her  death;  Argant  revengement  swears. 

NOW  in  dark  night  was  all  the  world  embarred; 
But  yet  the  tired  armies  took  no  rest, 
The  careful  French  kept  heedful  watch  and  ward, 
While  their  high  tower  the  workmen  newly  dressed, 
The  Pagan  crew  to  reinforce  prepared 
The  weakened  bulwarks,  late  to  earth  down  kest, 
Their  rampiers  broke  and  bruised  walls  to  mend, 
Lastly  their  hurts  the  wounded  knights  attend. 

Their  wounds  were  dressed,  part  of  the  work  was  brought 
To  wished  end,  part  left  to  other  days, 
A  dull  desire  to  rest  deep  midnight  wrought, 
His  heavy  rod  sleep  on  their  eyelids  lays : 
Yet  rested  not  Clorinda's  working  thought, 
Which  thirsted  still  for  fame  and  warlike  praise, 
Argantes  eke  accompanied  the  maid 
From  place  to  place,  which  to  herself  thus  said: 

"  This  day  Argantes  strong,  and  Solyman, 
Strange  things  have  done,  and  purchased  great  renown, 
Among  our  foes  out  of  the  walls  they  ran, 
Their  rams  they  broke  and  rent  their  engines  down ; 

240 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  241 

I  used  my  bow,  of  naught  else  boast  I  can, 
My  self  stood  safe  meanwhile  within  this  town, 
And  happy  was  my  shot,  and  prosperous  too, 
But  that  was  all  a  woman's  hand  could  do. 

"  On  birds  and  beasts  in  forests  wild  that  feed 
It  were  more  fit  mine  arrows  to  bestow, 
Than  for  a  feeble  maid  in  warlike  deed 
With  strong  and  hardy  knights  herself  to  show. 
Why  take  I  not  again  my  virgin's  weed, 
And  spend  my  days  in  secret  cell  unknow  ?  " 

Thus  thought,  thus  mused,  thus  devised  the  maid, 
And  turning  to  the  knight,  at  last  thus  said : 

"  My  thoughts  are  full,  my  lord,  of  strange  desire 
Some  high  attempt  of  war  to  undertake, 
Whether  high  God  my  mind  therewith  inspire 
Or  of  his  will  his  God  mankind  doth  make, 
Among  our  foes  behold  the  light  and  fire, 
I  will  among  them  wend,  and  burn  or  break 
The  tower,  God  grant  therein  I  have  my  will 
And  that  performed,  betide  me  good  or  ill. 

"  But  if  it  fortune  such  my  chance  should  be, 
That  to  this  town  I  never  turn  again, 
Mine  eunuch,  whom  I  dearly  love,  with  thee 
I  leave  my  faithful  maids,  and  all  my  train, 
To  Egypt  then  conducted  safely  see 
Those  woful  damsels  and  that  aged  swain, 
Help  them,  my  lord,  in  that  distressed  case, 
Their  feeble  sex,  his  age,  deserveth  grace." 

Argantes  wondering  stood,  and  felt  the  effect 
Of  true  renown  pierce  through  his  glorious  mind, 
"  And  wilt  thou  go,"  quoth  he,  "  and  me  neglect, 
Disgraced,  despised,  leave  in  this  fort  behind? 
Shall  I  while  these  strong  walls  my  life  protect 
Behold  thy  flames  and  fires  tossed  in  the  wind, 
No,  no,  thy  fellow  have  I  been  in  arms, 
And  will  be  still,  in  praise,  in  death,  in  harms. 


242  TASSO 

"  This  heart  of  mine  death's  bitter  stroke  despiseth, 

For  praise  this  life,  for  glory  take  this  breath." 

"  My  soul  and  more,"  quoth  she,  "  thy  friendship  prizeth, 

For  this  thy  proffered  aid  required  uneath, 

I  but  a  woman  am,  no  loss  ariseth 

To  this  besieged  city  by  my  death, 

But  if,  as  God  forbid,  this  night  thou  fall, 

Ah !   who  shall  then,  who  can,  defend  this  wall ! " 

"  Too  late  these  'scuses  vain,"  the  knight  replied, 
"  You  bring;  my  will  is  firm,  my  mind  is  set, 
I  follow  you  whereso  you  list  me  guide, 
Or  go  before  if  you  my  purpose  let." 
This  said,  they  hasted  to  the  palace  wide 
About  their  prince  where  all  his  lords  were  met, 
Clorinda  spoke  for  both,  and  said,  "  Sir  king, 
Attend  my  words,  hear,  and  allow  the  thing : 

"  Argantes  here,  this  bold  and  hardy  knight, 
Will  undertake  to  burn  the  wondrous  tower, 
And  I  with  him,  only  we  stay  till  night 
Bury  in  sleep  our  foes  at  deadest  hour." 
The  king  with  that  cast  up  his  hands  on  height, 
The  tears  for  joy  upon  his  cheeks  down  pour. 

"  Praised,"  quoth  he,  "  be  Macon  whom  we  serve, 
This  land  I  see  he  keeps  and  will  preserve : 

"  Nor  shall  so  soon  this  shaken  kingdom  fall, 
While  such  unconquered  hearts  my  state  defend: 
But  for  this  act  what  praise  or  guerdon  shall 
I  give  your  virtues,  which  so  far  extend  ? 
Let  fame  your  praises  sound  through  nations  all, 
And  fill  the  world  therewith  to  either  end, 

Take  half  my  wealth  and  kingdom  for  your  meed? 

You  are  rewarded  half  even  with  the  deed." 

Thus  spake  the  prince,  and  gently  'gan  distrain, 
Now  him,  now  her,  between  his  friendly  arms: 
The  Soldan  by,  no  longer  could  refrain 
That  noble  envy  which  his  bosom  warms, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  243 

"  Nor  I,"  quoth  he,  "  bear  this  broad  sword  in  vain, 
Nor  yet  am  unexpert  in  night  alarms, 

Take  me  with  you :  ah."     Quoth  Clorinda,  "  no ! 

Whom  leave  we  here  of  prowess  if  you  go  ?  " 

This  spoken,  ready  with  a  proud  refuse 
Argantes  was  his  proffered  aid  to  scorn, 
Whom  Aladine  prevents,  and  with  excuse 
To  Solyman  thus  gan  his  speeches  torn : 
"  Right  noble  prince,  as  aye  hath  been  your  use 
Your  self  so  still  you  bear  and  long  have  borne, 
Bold  in  all  acts,  no  danger  can  affright 
Your  heart,  nor  tired  is  your  strength  with  fight. 

"  If  you  went  forth  great  things  perform  you  would, 
In  my  conceit  yet  far  unfit  it  seems 
That  you,  who  most  excel  in  courage  bold, 
At  once  should  leave  this  town  in  these  extremes, 
Nor  would  I  that  these  twain  should  leave  this  hold, 
My  heart  their  noble  lives  far  worthier  deems, 
If  this  attempt  of  less  importance  were, 
Or  weaker  posts  so  great  a  weight  could  bear. 

"  But  for  well-guarded  is  the  mighty  tower 
With  hardy  troops  and  squadrons  round  about, 
And  cannot  harmed  be  with  little  power, 
Nor  fit  the  time  to  send  whole  armies  out, 
This  pair  who  passed  have  many  a  dreadful  stowre, 
And  proffer  now  to  prove  this  venture  stout, 
Alone  to  this  attempt  let  them  go  forth, 
Alone  than  thousands  of  more  price  and  worth. 

"  Thou,  as  it  best  beseems  a  mighty  king, 
With  ready  bands  besides  the  gate  attend, 
That  when  this  couple  have  performed  the  thing, 
And  shall  again  their  footsteps  homeward  bend, 
From  their  strong  foes  upon  them  following 
Thou  may'st  them  keep,  preserve,  save  and  defend : " 
Thus  said  the  king,  "  The  Soldan  must  consent," 

Silent  remained  the  Turk,  and  discontent. 

Classics.    Vol.  35 — L 


344  TASSO 

Then  Ismen  said,  "  You  twain  that  undertake 
This  hard  attempt,  awhile  I  pray  you  stay, 
Till  I  a  wildfire  of  fine  temper  make, 
That  this  great  engine  burn  to  ashes  may ; 
Haply  the  guard  that  now  doth  watch  and  wake, 
Will  then  lie  tumbled  sleeping  on  the  lay ;  " 
Thus  they  conclude,  and  in  their  chambers  sit, 
To  wait  the  time  for  this  adventure  fit. 

Clorinda  there  her  silver  arms  off  rent, 
Her  helm,  her  shield,  her  hauberk  shining  bright, 
An  armor  black  as  jet  or  coal  she  hent, 
Wherein  withouten  plume  herself  she  dight; 
For  thus  disguised  amid  her  foes  she  meant 
To  pass  unseen,  by  help  of  friendly  night, 
To  whom  her  eunuch,  old  Arsetes,  came, 
That  from  her  cradle  nursed  and  kept  the  dame. 

This  aged  sire  had  followed  far  and  near, 
Through  lands  and  seas,  the  strong  and  hardy  maid, 
He  saw  her  leave  her  arms  and  wonted  gear, 
Her  danger  nigh  that  sudden  change  foresaid : 
By  his  white  locks  from  black  that  changed  were 
In  following  her,  the  woful  man  her  prayed, 
By  all  his  service  and  his  taken  pain, 
To  leave  that  fond  attempt,  but  prayed  in  vain. 

"  At  last,"  quoth  he,  "  since  hardened  to  thine  ill, 
Thy  cruel  heart  is  to  thy  loss  prepared, 
That  my  weak  age,  nor  tears  that  down  distil, 
Not  humble  suit,  nor  plaint,  thou  list  regard ; 
Attend  awhile,  strange  things  unfold  I  will, 
Hear  both  thy  birth  and  high  estate  declared ; 
Follow  my  counsel,  or  thy  will  that  done," 
She  sat  to  hear,  the  eunuch  thus  begun : 

"  Senapus  ruled,  and  yet  perchance  doth  reign 
In  mighty  Ethiop,  and  her  deserts  waste, 
The  lore  of  Christ  both  he  and  all  his  train 
Of  people  black,  hath  kept  and  long  embraced, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  345 

To  him  a  Pagan  was  I  sold  for  gain, 

And  with  his  queen,  as  her  chief  eunuch,  placed ; 

Black  was  this  queen  as  jet,  yet  on  her  eyes 

Sweet  loveliness,  in  black  attired,  lies. 

"  The  fire  of  love  and  frost  of  jealousy, 

Her  husband's  troubled  soul  alike  torment, 

The  tide  of  fond  suspicion  flowed  high, 

The  foe  to  love  and  plague  to  sweet  content, 

He  mewed  her  up  from  sight  of  mortal  eye, 

Nor  day  he  would  his  beams  on  her  had  bent : 
She,  wise  and  lowly,  by  her  husband's  pleasure, 
Her  joy,  her  peace,  her  will,  her  wish  did  measure. 

"  Her  prison  was  a  chamber,  painted  round 

With  goodly  portraits  and  with  stories  old, 

As  white  as  snow  there  stood  a  virgin  bound, 

Besides  a  dragon  fierce,  a  champion  bold 

The  monster  did  with  poignant  spear  through  wound, 

The  gored  beast  lay  dead  upon  the  mould ; 

The  gentle  queen  before  this  image  laid, 

She  plained,  she  mourned,  she  wept,  she  sighed,  she  prayed : 

"  At  last  with  child  she  proved,  and  forth  she  brought, 
And  thou  art  she,  a  daughter  fair  and  bright, 
In  her  thy  color  white  new  terror  wrought, 
She  wondered  on  thy  face  with  strange  affright, 
But  yet  she  purposed  in  her  fearful  thought 
To  hide  thee  from  the  king,  thy  father's  sight, 

Lest  thy  bright  hue  should  his  suspect  approve, 

For  seld  a  crow  begets  a  silver  dove. 

"  And  to  her  spouse  to  show  she  was  disposed 

A  negro's  babe  late  born,  in  room  of  thee, 

And  for  the  tower  wherein  she  lay  enclosed, 

Was  with  her  damsels  only  wond  and  me, 

To  me,  on  whose  true  faith  she  most  reposed, 

She  gave  thee,  ere  thou  couldest  christened  be, 
Nor  could  I  since  find  means  thee  to  baptize, 
In  Pagan  lands  thou  knowest  it's  not  the  guise. 


246  TASSO 

"  To  me  she  gave  thee,  and  she  wept  withal, 
To  foster  thee  in  some  far  distant  place. 
Who  can  her  griefs  and  plaints  to  reckoning  call, 
How  oft  she  swooned  at  the  last  embrace : 
Her  streaming  tears  amid  her  kisses  fall, 
Her  sighs,  her  dire  complaints  did  interlace? 
And  looking  up  at  last,  '  O  God,'  quoth  she, 
'  Who  dost  my  heart  and  inward  mourning  see, 

"  '  If  mind  and  body  spotless  to  this  day, 
If  I  have  kept  my  bed  still  undefiled, 
Not  for  myself  a  sinful  wretch  I  pray, 
That  in  thy  presence  am  an  abject  vilde, 
Preserve  this  babe,  whose  mother  must  denay 
To  nourish  it,  preserve  this  harmless  child, 
Oh  let  it  live,  and  chaste  like  me  it  make, 
But  for  good  fortune  elsewhere  sample  take. 

"  '  Thou  heavenly  soldier  which  delivered  hast 
That  sacred  virgin  from  the  serpent  old, 
If  on  thine  altars  I  have  offerings  placed, 
And  sacrificed  myrrh,  frankincense  and  gold, 
On  this  poor  child  thy  heavenly  looks  down  cast, 
With  gracious  eye  this  silly  babe  behold ; ' 

This  said,  her  strength  and  living  sprite  was  fled, 
She  sighed,  she  groaned,  she  swooned  in  her  bed. 

"  Weeping  I  took  thee,  in  a  little  chest, 
Covered  with  herbs  and  leaves,  I  brought  the«  out 
So  secretly,  that  none  of  all  the  rest 
Of  such  an  act  suspicion  had  or  doubt, 
To  wilderness  my  steps  I  first  addressed, 
Where  horrid  shades  enclosed  me  round  about, 
A  tigress  there  I  met,  in  whose  fierce  eyes 
Fury  and  wrath,  rage,  death  and  terror  lies : 

"  Up  to  a  tree  I  leaped,  and  on  the  grass, 
Such  was  my  sudden  fear,  I  left  thee  lying, 
To  thee  the  beast  with  furious  course  did  pass, 
.With  curious  looks  upon  thy  visage  prying, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  247 

All  suddenly  both  meek  and  mild  she  was, 
With  friendly  cheer  thy  tender  body  eying: 
At  last  she  licked  thee,  and  with  gesture  mild 
About  thee  played,  and  thou  upon  her  smiled. 

"  Her  fearful  muzzle  full  of  dreadful  threat, 
In  thy  weak  hand  thou  took'st  withouten  dread ; 
The  gentle  beast  with  milk-outstretched  teat, 
As  nurses'  custom,  proffered  thee  to  feed. 
As  one  that  wondereth  on  some  marvel  great, 
I  stood  this  while  amazed  at  the  deed. 

When  thee  she  saw  well  filled  and  satisfied, 

Unto  the  woods  again  the  tigress  hied. 

"  She  gone,  down  from  the  tree  I  came  in  haste, 
And  took  thee  up,  and  on  my  journey  wend, 
Within  a  little  thorp  I  stayed  at  last, 
And  to  a  nurse  the  charge  of  thee  commend, 
And  sporting  with  thee  there  long  time  I  passed, 
Till  term  of  sixteen  months  were  brought  to  end, 
And  thou  begun,  as  little  children  do, 
With  half  clipped  words  to  prattle,  and  to  go. 

"  But  having  passed  the  August  of  mine  age, 
When  more  than  half  my  tap  of  life  was  run, 
Rich  by  rewards  given  by  your  mother  sage, 
For  merits  past,  and  service  yet  undone, 
I  longed  to  leave  this  wandering  pilgrimage, 
And  in  my  native  soil  again  to  won, 

To  get  some  seely  home  I  had  desire, 

Loth  still  to  warm  me  at  another's  fire. 

"  To  Egypt-ward,  where  I  was  born,  I  went, 
And  bore  thee  with  me,  by  a  rolling  flood, 
Till  I  with  savage  thieves  well-nigh  was  hent; 
Before  the  brook,  the  thieves  behind  me  stood : 
Thee  to  forsake  I  never  could  consent, 
And  gladly  would  I  'scape  those  outlaws  wood, 
Into  the  flood  I  leaped  far  from  the  brim, 
My  left  hand  bore  thee,  with  the  right  I  swim. 


248  TASSO 

"  Swift  was  the  current,  in  the  middle  stream 
A  whirlpool  gaped  with  devouring  jaws, 
The  gulf,  on  such  mishap  ere  I  could  dream, 
Into  his  deep  abyss  my  carcass  draws, 
There  I  forsook  thee,  the  wild  waters  seem 
To  pity  thee,  a  gentle  wind  there  blows 

Whose  friendly  puffs  safe  to  the  shore  thee  drive, 
Where  wet  and  weary  I  at  last  arrive : 

"  I  took  thee  up,  and  in  my  dream  that  night, 
When  buried  was  the  world  in  sleep  and  shade, 
I  saw  a  champion  clad  in  armor  bright 
That  o'er  my  head  shaked  a  flaming  blade, 
He  said,  '  I  charge  thee  execute  aright, 
That  charge  this  infant's  mother  on  thee  laid, 
Baptize  the  child,  high  Heaven  esteems  her  dear, 
And  I  her  keeper  will  attend  her  near : 

" '  I  will  her  keep,  defend,  save  and  protect, 
I  made  the  waters  mild,  the  tigress  tame, 

0  wretch  that  heavenly  warnings  dost  reject ! ' 
The  warrior  vanished  having  said  the  same. 

1  rose  and  journeyed  on  my  way  direct 

When  blushing  morn  from  Tithon's  bed  forth  came, 
But  for  my  faith  is  true  and  sure  I  ween, 
And  dreams  are  false,  you  still  unchristened  been. 

"  A  Pagan  therefore  thee  I  fostered  have, 
Nor  of  thy  birth  the  truth  did  ever  tell, 
Since  you  increased  are  in  courage  brave, 
Your  sex  and  nature's-self  you  both  excel, 
Full  many  a  realm  have  you  made  bond  and  slave, 
Your  fortunes  last  yourself  remember  well, 
And  how  in  peace  and  war,  in  joy  and  teen, 
I  have  your  servant,  and  your  tutor  been. 

"  Last  morn,  from  skies  ere  stars  exiled  were, 
In  deep  and  deathlike  sleep  my  senses  drowned, 
The  self-same  vision  did  again  appear, 
With  stormy  wrathful  looks,  and  thundering  sound, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  249 

'  Villain/  quoth  he,  '  within  short  while  thy  dear 
Must  change  her  life,  and  leave  this  sinful  ground, 
Thine  be  the  loss,  the  torment,  and  the  care/ 
This  said,  he  fled  through  skies,  through  clouds  and  air. 

"  Hear  then  my  joy,  my  hope,  my  darling,  hear, 

High  Heaven  some  dire  misfortune  threatened  hath, 

Displeased  pardie,  because  I  did  thee  lere 

A  lore  repugnant  to  thy  parents'  faith; 

Ah,  for  my  sake,  this  bold  attempt  forbear ; 

Put  off  these  sable  arms,  appease  thy  wrath." 
This  said,  he  wept,  she  pensive  stood  and  sad, 
Because  like  dream  herself  but  lately  had. 

With  cheerful  smile  she  answered  him  at  last, 
"  I  will  this  faith  observe,  it  seems  me  true, 
Which  from  my  cradle  age  thou  taught  me  hast ; . 
I  will  not  change  it  for  religion  new, 
Nor  with  vain  shows  of  fear  and  dread  aghast 
This  enterprise  forbear  I  to  pursue, 

No,  not  if  death  in  his  most  dreadful  face 
Wherewith  he  scareth  mankind,  kept  the  place." 

Approachen  gan  the  time,  while  thus  she  spake, 

Wherein  they  ought  that  dreadful  hazard  try; 

She  to  Argantes  went,  who  should  partake 

Of  her  renown  and  praise,  or  with  her  die. 

Ismen  with  words  more  hasty  still  did  make 

Their  virtue  great,  which  by  itself  did  fly, 

Two  balls  he  gave  them  made  of  hollow  brass, 
Wherein  enclosed  fire,  pitch,  and  brimstone  was. 

And  forth  they  went,  and  over  dale  and  hill 
They  hasted  forward  with  a  speedy  pace, 
Unseen,  unmarked,  undescried,  until 
Beside  the  engine  close  themselves  they  place, 
New  courage  there  their  swelling  hearts  did  fill. 
Rage  in  their  breasts,  fury  shown  in  their  face, 

They  yearned  to  blow  the  fire,  and  draw  the  sword. 

The  watch  descried  them  both,  and  gave  the  word. 


TASSO 

Silent  they  passed  on,  the  watch  begun 

To  rear  a  huge  alarm  with  hideous  cries, 

Therewith  the  hardy  couple  forward  run 

To  execute  their  valiant  enterprise: 

So  from  a  cannon  or  a  roaring  gun 

At  once  the  noise,  the  flame,  and  bullet  flies, 
They  run,  they  give  the  charge,  begin  the  fray, 
And  all  at  once  their  foes  break,  spoil  and  slay. 

They  passed  first  through  thousand  thousand  blows, 

And  then  performed  their  designment  bold, 

A  fiery  ball  each  on  the  engine  throws, 

The  stuff  was  dry,  the  fire  took  quickly  hold, 

Furious  upon  the  timber-work  it  grows, 

How  it  increased  cannot  well  be  told, 

How  it  crept  up  the  piece,  and  how  to  skies 
The  burning  sparks  and  towering  smoke  upflies. 

A  mass  of  solid  fire  burning  bright 
Rolled  up  in  smouldering  fumes,  there  bursteth  out, 
And  there  the  blustering  winds  add  strength  and  might 
And  gather  close  the  sparsed  flames  about: 
The  Frenchmen  trembled  at  the  dreadful  light, 
To  arms  in  haste  and  fear  ran  all  the  rout, 
Down  fell  the  piece  dreaded  so  much  in  war, 
Thus  what  long  days  do  make  one  hour  doth  mar. 

Two  Christian  bands  this  while  came  to  the  place 
With  speedy  haste,  where  they  beheld  the  fire, 
Argantes  to  them  cried  with  scornful  grace, 
"  Your  blood  shall  quench  these  flames, and  quench  mine  ire:'1 
This  said,  the  maid  and  he  with  sober  pace 
Drew  back,  and  to  the  banks  themselves  retire, 
Faster  than  brooks  which  falling  showers  increase 
Their  foes  augment,  and  faster  on  them  press. 

The  gilden  port  was  opened,  and  forth  stepped 
With  all  his  soldiers  bold,  the  Turkish  king, 
Ready  to  aid  the  two  his  force  he  kept, 
When  fortune  should  them  home  with  conquest  bring, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  251 

Over  the  bars  the  hardy  couple  leapt 

And  after  them  a  band  of  Christians  fling, 

Whom  Solyman  drove  back  with  courage  stout, 
And  shut  the  gate,  but  shut  Clorinda  out. 

Alone  was  she  shut  forth,  for  in  that  hour 
Wherein  they  closed  the  port,  the  virgin  went, 
And  full  of  heat  and  wrath,  her  strength  and  power 
Gainst  Arimon,  that  struck  her  erst,  she  bent, 
She  slew  the  knight,  nor  Argant  in  that  stowre 
Wist  of  her  parting,  or  her  fierce  intent, 

The  fight,  the  press,  the  night,  and  darksome  skies 
Care  from  his  heart  had  ta'en,  sight  from  his  eyes. 

But  when  appeased  was  her  angry  mood, 
Her  fury  calmed,  and  settled  was  her  head, 
She  saw  the  gates  were  shut,  and  how  she  stood 
Amid  her  foes,  she  held  herself  for  dead; 
While  none  her  marked  at  last  she  thought  it  good, 
To  save  her  life,  some  other  path  to  tread, 

She  feigned  her  one  of  them,  and  close  her  drew 
Amid  the  press  that  none  her  saw  or  knew : 

Then  as  a  wolf  guilty  of  some  misdeed 
Flies  to  some  grove  to  hide  himself  from  view, 
So  favored  with  the  night,  with  secret  speed 
Dissevered  from  the  press  the  damsel  flew: 
Tancred  alone  of  her  escape  took  heed, 
He  on  that  quarter  was  arrived  new, 

When  Arimon  she  killed  he  thither  came, 
He  saw  it,  marked  it,  and  pursued  the  dame. 

He  deemed  she  was  some  man  of  mickle  might, 
And  on  her  person  would  he  worship  win, 
Over  the  hills  the  nymph  her  journey  dight 
Toward  another  port,  there  to  get  in : 
With  hideous  noise  fast  after  spurred  the  knight, 
She  heard  and  stayed,  and  thus  her  words  begin, 
"  What  haste  hast  thou  ?  ride  softly,  take  thy  breath, 
What  bringest  thou  ?  "    He  answered,  "  War  and  death." 


253  TASSO 

"  And  war  and  death,"  quoth  she,  "  here  mayest  thou  get 
If  thou  for  battle  come,"  with  that  she  stayed: 
Tancred  to  ground  his  foot  in  haste  down  set, 
And  left  his  steed,  on  foot  he  saw  the  maid, 
Their  courage  hot,  their  ire  and  wrath  they  whet, 
And  either  champion  drew  a  trenchant  blade, 
Together  ran  they,  and  together  stroke, 
Like  two  fierce  bulls  whom  rage  and  love  provoke. 

Worthy  of  royal  lists  and  brightest  day, 
Worthy  a  golden  trump  and  laurel  crown, 
The  actions  were  and  wonders  of  that  fray 
Which  sable  knight  did  in  dark  bosom  drown: 
Yet  night,  consent  that  I  their  acts  display 
And  make  their  deeds  to  future  ages  known, 
And  in  records  of  long  enduring  story 
Enrol  their  praise,  their  fame,  their  worth  and  glory. 

They  neither  shrunk,  nor  vantage  sought  of  ground, 
They  traverse  not,  nor  skipped  from  part  to  part, 
Their  blows  were  neither  false  nor  feigned  found, 
The  night,  their  rage  would  let  them  use  no  art, 
Their  swords  together  clash  with  dreadful  sound, 
Their  feet  stand  fast,  and  neither  stir  nor  start, 
They  move  their  hands,  steadfast  their  feet  remain, 
Nor  blow  nor  foin  they  struck,  or  thrust  in  vain. 

Shame  bred  desire  a  sharp  revenge  to  take, 
And  vengeance  taken  gave  new  cause  of  shame: 
So  that  with  haste  and  little  heed  they  strake, 
Fuel  enough  they  had  to  feed  the  flame ; 
At  last  so  close  their  battle  fierce  they  make, 
They  could  not  wield  their  swords,  so  nigh  they  came, 
They  used  the  hilts,  and  each  on  other  rushed, 
And  helm  to  helm,  and  shield  to  shield  they  crushed. 

Thrice  his  strong  arms  he  folds  about  her  waist, 
And  thrice  was  forced  to  let  the  virgin  go, 
For  she  disdained  to  be  so  embraced, 
No  lover  would  have  strained  his  mistress  so : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  353 

They  took  their  swords  again,  and  each  enchased 
Deep  wounds  in  the  soft  flesh  of  his  strong  foe, 
Till  weak  and  weary,  faint,  alive  uneath, 
They  both  retired  at  once,  at  once  took  breath. 

Each  other  long  beheld,  and  leaning  stood 
Upon  their  swords,  whose  points  in  earth  were  pight, 
When  day-break,  rising  from  the  eastern  flood, 
Put  forth  the  thousand  eyes  of  blindfold  night; 
Tancred  beheld  his  foe's  out-streaming  blood, 
And  gaping  wounds,  and  waxed  proud  with  the  sight, 
Oh  vanity  of  man's  unstable  mind, 
Puffed  up  with  every  blast  of  friendly  wind! 

Why  joy'st  thou,  wretch?     Oh,  what  shall  be  thy  gain? 
What  trophy  for  this  conquest  is't  thou  rears? 
Thine  eyes  shall  shed,  in  case  thou  be  not  slain, 
For  every  drop  of  blood  a  sea  of  tears : 
The  bleeding  warriors  leaning  thus  remain, 
Each  one  to  speak  one  word  long  time  forbears, 
Tancred  the  silence  broke  at  last,  and  said, 
For  he  would  know  with  whom  this  fight  he  made : 

"  Evil  is  our  chance  and  hard  our  fortune  is 
Who  here  in  silence,  and  in  shade  debate, 
Where  light  of  sun  and  witness  all  we  miss 
That  should  our  prowess  and  our  praise  dilate : 
If  words  in  arms  find  place,  yet  grant  me  this, 
Tell  me  thy  name,  thy  country,  and  estate; 
That  I  may  know,  this  dangerous  combat  done, 
Whom  I  have  conquered,  or  who  hath  me  won." 

"  What  I  nill  tell,  you  ask,"  quoth  she,  "  in  vain, 
Nor  moved  by  prayer,  nor  constrained  by  power, 
But  thus  much  know,  I  am  one  of  those  twain 
Which  late  with  kindled  fire  destroyed  the  tower." 
Tancred  at  her  proud  words  swelled  with  disdain, 
"  That  hast  thou  said,"  quoth  he,  "  in  evil  hour ; 
Thy  vaunting  speeches,  and  thy  silence  both, 
Uncivil  wretch,  hath  made  my  heart  more  wroth." 


254 


TASSO 

Ire  in  their  chafed  breasts  renewed  the  fray, 
Fierce  was  the  fight,  though  feeble  were  their  might, 
Their  strength  was  gone,  their  cunning  was  away, 
And  fury  in  their  stead  maintained  the  fight, 
Their  swords  both  points  and  edges  sharp  embay 
In  purple  blood,  whereso  they  hit  or  light, 
And  if  weak  life  yet  in  their  bosoms  lie, 
They  lived  because  they  both  disdained  to  die. 

As  yEgean  seas  when  storms  be  calmed  again 

That  rolled  their  tumbling  waves  with  troublous  blasts, 

Do  yet  of  tempests  past  some  shows  retain, 

And  here  and  there  their  swelling  billows  casts ; 

So,  though  their  strength  were  gone  and  might  were  vain, 

Of  their  first  fierceness  still  the  fury  lasts, 

Wherewith  sustained,  they  to  their  tackling  stood, 
And  heaped  wound  on  wound,  and  blood  on  blood. 

But  now,  alas,  the  fatal  hour  arrives 
That  her  sweet  life  must  leave  that  tender  hold, 
His  sword  into  her  bosom  deep  he  drives, 
And  bathed  in  lukewarm  blood  his  iron  cold, 
Between  her  breasts  the  cruel  weapon  rives 
Her  curious  square,  embossed  with  swelling  gold, 
Her  knees  grow  weak,  the  pains  of  death  she  feels, 
And  like  a  falling  cedar  bends  and  reels. 

The  prince  his  hand  upon  her  shield  doth  stretch, 
And  low  on  earth  the  wounded  damsel  layeth, 
And  while  she  fell,  with  weak  and  woful  speech, 
Her  prayers  last  and  last  complaints  she  sayeth, 
A  spirit  new  did  her  those  prayers  teach, 
Spirit  of  hope,  of  charity,  and  faith ; 
And  though  her  life  to  Christ  rebellious  were, 
Yet  died  she  His  child  and  handmaid  dear. 

"  Friend,  thou  hast  won,  I  pardon  thee,  nor  save 
This  body,  that  all  torments  can  endure, 
But  save  my  soul,  baptism  I  dying  crave, 
Come  wash  away  my  sins  with  waters  pure :  " 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  255 

His  heart  relenting  nigh  in  sunder  rave, 
With  woful  speech  of  that  sweet  creature, 
So  that  his  rage,  his  wrath,  and  anger  died, 
And  on  his  cheeks  salt  tears  for  ruth  down  slide. 

With  murmur  loud  down  from  the  mountain's  side 
A  little  runnel  tumbled  near  the  place, 
Thither  he  ran  and  filled  his  helmet  wide, 
And  quick  returned  to  do  that  work  of  grace, 
With  trembling  hands  her  beaver  he  untied, 
Which  done  he  saw,  and  seeing,  knew  her  face, 
And  lost  therewith  his  speech  and  moving  quite, 
Oh  woful  knowledge,  ah  unhappy  sight! 

He  died  not,  but  all  his  strength  unites, 
And  to  his  virtues  gave  his  heart  in  guard, 
Bridling  his  grief,  with  water  he  requites 
The  life  that  he  bereft  with  iron  hard, 
And  while  the  sacred  words  the  knight  recites, 
The  nymph  to  heaven  with  joy  herself  prepared ; 
And  as  her  life  decays  her  joys  increase, 
She  smiled  and  said,  "  Farewell,  I  die  in  peace." 

As  violets  blue  mongst  lilies  pure  men  throw, 
So  paleness  midst  her  native  white  begun; 
Her  looks  to  heaven  she  cast,  their  eyes  I  trow 
Downward  for  pity  bent  both  heaven  and  sun, 
Her  naked  hand  she  gave  the  knight,  in  show 
Of  love  and  peace,  her  speech,  alas,  was  done, 
And  thus  the  virgin  fell  on  endless  sleep, — 
Love,  Beauty,  Virtue,  for  your  darling  weep! 

But  when  he  saw  her  gentle  soul  was  went, 
His  manly  courage  to  relent  began, 
Grief,  sorrow,  anguish,  sadness,  discontent, 
Free  empire  got  and  lordship  on  the  man, 
His  life  within  his  heart  they  close  up  pent, 
Death  through  his  senses  and  his  visage  ran: 
Like  his  dead  lady,  dead  seemed  Tancred  good, 
In  paleness,  stillness,  wounds  and  streams  of  blood. 


956  TASSO 

And  his  weak  sprite,  to  be  unbodied 
From  fleshly  prison  free  that  ceaseless  strived, 
Had  followed  her  fair  soul  but  lately  fled 
Had  not  a  Christian  squadron  there  arrived, 
To  seek  fresh  water  thither  haply  led, 
And  found  the  princess  dead,  and  him  deprived! 
Of  signs  of  life;  yet  did  the  knight  remain 
On  live,  nigh  dead,  for  her  himself  had  slain. 

Their  guide  far  off  the  prince  knew  by  his  shield. 
And  thither  hasted  full  of  grief  and  fear, 
Her  dead,  him  seeming  so,  he  there  beheld, 
And  for  that  strange  mishap  shed  many  a  tear ; 
He  would  not  leave  the  corpses  fair  in  field 
For  food  to  wolves,  though  she  a  Pagan  were, 
But  in  their  arms  the  soldiers  both  uphent, 
And  both  lamenting  brought  to  Tancred's  tent. 

With  those  dear  burdens  to  their  camp  they  pass, 
Yet  would  not  that  dead  seeming  knight  awake, 
At  last  he  deeply  groaned,  which  token  was 
His  feeble  soul  had  not  her  flight  yet  take: 
The  other  lay  a  still  and  heavy  mass, 
Her  spirit  had  that  earthen  cage  forsake; 

Thus  were  they  brought,  and  thus  they  placed  were 
In  sundry  rooms,  yet  both  adjoining  near. 

All  skill  and  art  his  careful  servants  used 
To  life  again  their  dying  lord  to  bring, 
At  last  his  eyes  unclosed,  with  tears  suffused, 
He  felt  their  hands  and  heard  their  whispering, 
But  how  he  thither  came  long  time  he  mused, 
His  mind  astonished  was  with  everything; 

He  gazed  about,  his  squires  in  fine  he  knew. 

Then  weak  and  woful  thus  his  plaints  out  threw: 

"  What,  live  I  yet  ?  and  do  I  breathe  and  see 
Of  this  accursed  day  the  hateful  light? 
This  spiteful  ray  which  still  upbraideth  me 
With  that  accursed  deed  I  did  this  night, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

Ah,  coward  hand,  afraid  why  should'st  thou  be, 
Thou  instrument  of  death,  shame  and  despite, 

Why  should'st  thou  fear,  with  sharp  and  trenchant  knife, 
To  cut  the  thread  of  this  blood-guilty  life? 

"  Pierce  through  this  bosom,  and  my  cruel  heart 
In  pieces  cleave,  break  every  string  and  vein; 
But  thou  to  slaughters  vile  which  used  art, 
Think'st  it  were  pity  so  to  ease  my  pain : 
Of  luckless  love  therefore  in  torments'  smart 
A  sad  example  must  I  still  remain, 

A  woful  monster  of  unhappy  love, 

Who  still  must  live,  lest  death  his  comfort  prove; 

"  Still  must  I  live  in  anguish,  grief,  and  care ; 
Furies  my  guilty  conscience  that  torment, 
The  ugly  shades,  dark  night,  and  troubled  air 
In  grisly  forms  her  slaughter  still  present, 
Madness  and  death  about  my  bed  repair, 
Hell  gapeth  wide  to  swallow  up  this  tent; 

Swift  from  myself  I  run,  myself  I  fear, 

Yet  still  my  hell  within  myself  I  bear. 

"  But  where,  alas,  where  be  those  relics  sweet, 
Wherein  dwelt  late  all  love,  all  joy,  all  good? 
My  fury  left  them  cast  in  open  street, 
Some  beast  hath  torn  her  flesh  and  licked  her  blood, 
Ah  noble  prey !  for  savage  beast  unmeet, 
Ah  sweet!  too  sweet,  and  far  too  precious  food, 
Ah,  seely  nymph !  whom  night  and  darksome  shade 
To  beasts,  and  me,  far  worse  than  beasts,  betrayed. 

"  But  where  you  be,  if  still  you  be,  I  wend 

To  gather  up  those  relics  dear  at  least, 

But  if  some  beast  hath  from  the  hills  descend, 

And  on  her  tender  bowels  made  his  feast, 

Let  that  fell  monster  me  in  pieces  rend, 

And  deep  entomb  me  in  his  hollow  chest: 
For  where  she  buried  is,  there  shall  I  have 
A  stately  tomb,  a  rich  and  costly  grave." 


TASSO 

Thus  mourned  the  knight,  his  squires  him  told  at  last, 
They  had  her  there  for  whom  those  tears  he  shed ; 
A  beam  of  comfort  his  dim  eyes  outcast, 
Like  lightning  through  thick  clouds  of  darkness  spread, 
The  heavy  burden  of  his  limbs  in  haste, 
With  mickle  pain,  he  drew  forth  of  his  bed, 
And  scant  of  strength  to  stand,  to  move  or  go, 
Thither  he  staggered,  reeling  to  and  fro. 

When  he  came  there,  and  in  her  breast  espied 
His  handiwork,  that  deep  and  cruel  wound, 
And  her  sweet  face  with  leaden  paleness  dyed, 
Where  beauty  late  spread  forth  her  beams  around, 
He  trembled  so,  that  nere  his  squires  beside 
To  hold  him  up,  he  had  sunk  down  to  ground, 

And  said,  "  O  face  in  death  still  sweet  and  fair ! 

Thou  canst  not  sweeten  yet  my  grief  and  care: 

"  O  fair  right  hand,  the  pledge  of  faith  and  love  ? 
Given  me  but  late,  too  late,  in  sign  of  peace, 
How  haps  it  now  thou  canst  not  stir  nor  move? 
And  you,  dear  limbs,  now  laid  in  rest  and  ease, 
Through  which  my  cruel  blade  this  flood-gate  rove, 
Your  pains  have  end,  my  torments  never  cease, 

O  hands,  O  cruel  eyes,  accursed  alike ! 

You  gave  the  wound,  you  gave  them  light  to  strike. 

"  But  thither  now  run  forth  my  guilty  blood, 
Whither  my  plaints,  my  sorrows  cannot  wend." 
He  said  no  more,  but,  as  his  passion  wood 
In  forced  him,  he  gan  to  tear  and  rend 
His  hair,  his  face,  his  wounds,  a  purple  flood 
Did  from  each  side  in  rolling  streams  descend, 
He  had  been  slain,  but  that  his  pain  and  woe 
Bereft  his  senses,  and  preserved  him  so. 

Cast  on  his  bed  his  squires  recalled  his  sprite 
To  execute  again  her  hateful  charge, 
But  tattling  fame  the  sorrows  of  the  knight 
And  hard  mischance  had  told  this  while  at  large: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  459 

Godfrey  and  all  his  lords  of  worth  and  might, 
Ran  thither,  and  the  duty  would  discharge 

Of  friendship  true,  and  with  sweet  words  the  rage 
Of  bitter  grief  and  woe  they  would  assuage. 

But  as  a  mortal  wound  the  more  doth  smart 

The  more  it  searched  is,  handled  or  sought ; 

So  their  sweet  words  to  his  afflicted  heart 

More  grief,  more  anguish,  pain  and  torment  brought 

But  reverend  Peter  that  would  set  apart 

Care  of  his  sheep,  as  a  good  shepherd  ought, 

His  vanity  with  grave  advice  reproved 

And  told  what  mourning  Christian  knights  behoved: 

"  O  Tancred,  Tancred,  how  far  different 
From  thy  beginnings  good  these  follies  be? 
What  makes  thee  deaf  ?  what  hath  thy  eyesight  blent  ? 
What  mist,  what  cloud  thus  overshadeth  thee? 
This  is  a  warning  good  from  heaven  down  sent, 
Yet  His  advice  thou  canst  not  hear  nor  see 
Who  calleth  and  conducts  thee  to  the  way 
From  which  thou  willing  dost  and  witting  stray: 

"  To  worthy  actions  and  achievements  fit 
For  Christian  knights  He  would  thee  home  recall; 
But  thou  hast  left  that  course  and  changed  it, 
To  make  thyself  a  heathen  damsel's  thrall ; 
But  see,  thy  grief  and  sorrow's  painful  fit 
Is  made  the  rod  to  scourge  thy  sins  withal, 
Of  thine  own  good  thyself  the  means  He  makes, 
But  thou  His  mercy,  goodness,  grace  forsakes. 

"  Thou  dost  refuse  of  heaven  the  proffered  grace, 
And  gainst  it  still  rebel  with  sinful  ire, 
Oh  wretch !  Oh  whither  doth  thy  rage  thee  chase  ? 
Refrain  thy  grief,  bridle  thy  fond  desire, 
At  hell's  wide  gate  vain  sorrow  doth  thee  place, 
Sorrow,  misfortune's  son,  despair's  foul  fire: 
Oh  see  thine  evil,  thy  plaint  and  woe  refrain, 
The  guides  to  death,  to  hell,  and  endless  pain.'* 


260  TASSO 

This  said,  his  will  to  die  the  patient 
Abandoned,  that  second  death  he  feared, 
These  words  of  comfort  to  his  heart  down  went, 
And  that  dark  night  of  sorrow  somewhat  cleared; 
Yet  now  and  then  his  grief  deep  sighs  forth  sent, 
His  voice  shrill  plaints  and  sad  laments  oft  reared, 
Now  to  himself,  now  to  his  murdered  love, 
He  spoke,  who  heard  perchance  from  heaven  above. 

Till  Phoebus'  rising  from  his  evening  fall 
To  her,  for  her,  he  mourns,  he  calls,  he  cries; 
The  nightingale  so  when  her  children  small 
Some  churl  takes  before  their  parents'  eyes, 
Alone,  dismayed,  quite  bare  of  comforts  all, 
Tires  with  complaints  the  seas,  the  shores,  the  skies, 
Till  in  sweet  sleep  against  the  morning  bright 
She  fall  at  last ;  so  mourned,  so  slept  the  knight. 

And  clad  in  starry  veil,  amid  his  dream, 

For  whose  sweet  sake  he  mourned,  appeared  the  maid, 

Fairer  than  erst,  yet  with  that  heavenly  beam 

Not  out  of  knowledge  was  her  lovely  shade, 

With  looks  of  ruth  her  eyes  celestial  seem 

To  pity  his  sad  plight,  and  thus  she  said, 

"  Behold  how  fair,  how  glad  thy  love  appears, 
And  for  my  sake,  my  dear,  forbear  these  tears. 

"  Thine  be  the  thanks,  my  soul  thou  madest  flit 
At  unawares  out  of  her  earthly  nest, 
Thine  be  the  thanks,  thou  hast  advanced  it 
In  Abraham's  dear  bosom  long  to  rest, 
There  still  I  love  thee,  there  for  Tancred  fit 
A  seat  prepared  is  among  the  blest ; 
There  in  eternal  joy,  eternal  light, 
Thou  shalt  thy  love  enjoy,  and  she  her  knight; 

"Unless  thyself,  thyself  heaven's  joys  envy, 
And  thy  vain  sorrow  thee  of  bliss  deprive, 
Live,  know  I  love  thee,  that  I  nill  deny, 
As  angels,  men :  as  saints  may  wights  on  live : " 


JERUSALEM  DELIVERED  261 

This  said,  of  zeal  and  love  forth  of  her  eye 
An  hundred  glorious  beams  bright  shining  drive, 
Amid  which  rays  herself  she  closed  from  sight, 
And  with  new  joy,  new  comfort  left  her  knight. 

Thus  comforted  he  waked,  and  men  discreet 
In  surgery  to  cure  his  wounds  were  sought, 
Meanwhile  of  his  dear  love  the  relics  sweet, 
As  best  he  could,  to  grave  with  pomp  he  brought: 
Her  tomb  was  not  of  varied  Spartan  greet, 
Nor  yet  by  cunning  hand  of  Scopas  wrought, 
But  built  of  polished  stone,  and  thereon  laid 
The  lively  shape  and  portrait  of  the  maid. 

i 
With  sacred  burning  lamps  in  order  long 

And  mournful  pomp  the  corpse  was  brought  to  ground 
Her  arms  upon  a  leafless  pine  were  hung, 
The  hearse,  with  cypress;  arms,  with  laurel  crowned: 
Next  day  the  prince,  whose  love  and  courage  strong 
Drew  forth  his  limbs,  weak,  feeble,  and  unsound, 

To  visit  went,  with  care  and  reverence  meet, 

The  buried  ashes  of  his  mistress  sweet: 

Before  her  new-made  tomb  at  last  arrived, 

The  woful  prison  of  his  living  sprite, 

Pale,  cold,  sad,  comfortless,  of  sense  deprived, 

Upon  the  marble  gray  he  fixed  his  sight, 

Two  streams  of  tears  were  from  his  eyes  derived : 

Thus  with  a  sad  "  Alas !  "  began  the  knight, 

"  O  marble  dear  on  my  dear  mistress  placed ! 

My  flames  within,  without  my  tears  thou  hast. 

"  Not  of  dead  bones  art  thou  the  mournful  grave, 
But  of  quick  love  the  fortress  and  the  hold, 
Still  in  my  heart  thy  wonted  brands  I  have 
More  bitter  far,  alas!  but  not  more  cold; 
Receive  these  sighs,  these  kisses  sweet  receive, 
In  liquid  drops  of  melting  tears  enrolled, 
And  give  them  to  that  body  pure  and  chaste, 
.Which  in  thy  bosom  cold  entombed  thou  hast. 


TASSO 

"  For  if  her  happy  soul  her  eye  doth  bend 
On  that  sweet  body  which  it  lately  dressed, 
My  love,  thy  pity  cannot  her  offend, 
Anger  and  wrath  is  not  in  angels  blessed, 
She  pardon  will  the  trespass  of  her  friend, 
That  hope  relieves  me  with  these  griefs  oppressed, 
This  hand  she  knows  hath  only  sinned,  not  I, 
Who  living  loved  her,  and  for  love  now  die : 

"  And  loving  will  I  die,  oh  happy  day 
Whene'er  it  chanceth !  but  oh  far  more  blessed 
If  as  about  thy  polished  sides  I  stray, 
My  bones  within  thy  hollow  grave  might  rest, 
Together  should  in  heaven  our  spirits  stay, 
Together  should  our  bodies  lie  in  chest; 

So  happy  death  should  join  what  life  doth  sever, 
O  Death,  O  Life !  sweet  both,  both  blessed  ever." 

Meanwhile  the  news  in  that  besieged  town 

Of  this  mishap  was  whispered  here  and  there, 

Forthwith  it  spread,  and  for  too  true  was  known, 

Her  woful  loss  was  talked  everywhere, 

Mingled  with  cries  and  plaints  to  heaven  upthrown. 

As  if  the  city's  self  new  taken  were 

With  conquering  foes,  or  as  if  flame  and  fire, 
Nor  house,  nor  church,  nor  street  had  left  entire. 

But  all  men's  eyes  were  on  Arsetes  bent, 
His  sighs  were  deep,  his  looks  full  of  despair, 
Out  of  his  woful  eyes  no  tear  there  went, 
His  heart  was  hardened  with  his  too  much  care, 
His  silver  locks  with  dust  he  foul  besprent, 
He  knocked  his  breast,  his  face  he  rent  and  tare, 
And  while  the  press  flocked  to  the  eunuch  old, 
Thus  to  the  people  spake  Argantes  bold : 

"  I  would,  when  first  I  knew  the  hardy  maid 
Excluded  was  among  her  Christian  foes, 
Have  followed  her  to  give  her  timely  aid, 
Or  by  her  side  this  breath  and  life  to  lose, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  163 

What  did  I  not,  or  what  left  I  unsaid 
To  make  the  king  the  gates  again  unclose? 
But  he  denied,  his  power  did  aye  restrain 
My  will,  my  suit  was  waste,  my  speech  was  vain : 

"  Ah,  had  I  gone,  I  would  from  danger  free 
Have  brought  to  Sion  that  sweet  nymph  again, 
Or  in  the  bloody  fight,  where  killed  was  she, 
In  her  defence  there  nobly  have  been  slain: 
But  what  could  I  do  more?  the  counsels  be 
Of  God  and  man  gainst  my  designments  plain, 
Dead  is  Clorinda  fair,  laid  in  cold  grave, 
Let  me  revenge  her  whom  I  could  not  save. 

"Jerusalem,  hear  what  Argantes  saith, 
Hear  Heaven,  and  if  he  break  his  oath  and  word, 
Upon  this  head  cast  thunder  in  thy  wrath: 
I  will  destroy  and  kill  that  Christian  lord 
Who  this  fair  dame  by  night  thus  murdered  hath, 
Nor  from  my  side  I  will  ungird  this  sword 
Till  Tancred's  heart  it  cleave,  and  shed  his  blood, 
And  leave  his  corpse  to  wolves  and  crows  for  food." 

This  said,  the  people  with  a  joyful  shout 
Applaud  his  speeches  and  his  words  approve, 
And  calmed  their  grief  in  hope  the  boaster  stout 
Would  kill  the  prince,  who  late  had  slain  his  love. 
O  promise  vain!  it  otherwise  fell  out: 
Men  purpose,  but  high  gods  dispose  above, 
For  underneath  his  sword  this  boaster  died 
Whom  thus  he  scorned  and  threatened  in  his  pride. 


THIRTEENTH   BOOK 


THE   ARGUMENT. 

Ismeno  sets  to  guard  the  forest  old 
The  wicked  sprites,  whose  ugly  shapes  affray 
And  put  to  Sight  the  men,  whose  labor  would 
To  their  dark  shades  let  in  heaven's  golden  ray: 
Thither  goes  Tancred  hardy,  faithful,  bold, 
But  foolish  pity  lets  him  not  assay 
His  strength  and  courage:  heat  the  Christian  pcwef 
Annoys,  whom  to  refresh  God  sends  a  shower. 

BUT  scant,  dissolved  into  ashes  cold, 
The  smoking  tower  fell  on  the  scorched  grass, 
When  new  device  found  out  the  enchanter  old 
By  which  the  town  besieged  secured  was, 
Of  timber  fit  his  foes  deprive  he  would, 
Such  terror  bred  that  late  consumed  mass : 
So  that  the  strength  of  Sion's  walls  to  shake, 
They  should  no  turrets,  rams,  nor  engines  make. 

From  Godfrey's  camp  a  grove  a  little  way 
Amid  the  valleys  deep  grows  out  of  sight, 
Thick  with  old  trees  whose  horrid  arms  display 
An  ugly  shade,  like  everlasting  night; 
There  when  the  sun  spreads  forth  his  clearest  ray, 
Dim,  thick,  uncertain,  gloomy  seems  the  light ; 
As  when  in  evening,  day  and  darkness  strive 
Which  should  his  foe  from  our  horizon  drive. 

But  when  the  sun  his  chair  in  seas  doth  steep, 
Night,  horror,  darkness  thick  the  place  invade, 
Which  veil  the  mortal  eyes  with  blindness  deep 
And  with  sad  terror  make  weak  hearts  afraid, 

264 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  265 

Thither  no  groom  drives  forth  his  tender  sheep 
To  browse,  or  ease  their  faint  in  cooling  shade, 
Nor  traveller  nor  pilgrim  there  to  enter, 
So  awful  seems  that  forest  old,  dare  venture. 

United  there  the  ghosts  and  goblins  meet 
To  frolic  with  their  mates  in  silent  night, 
With  dragons'  wings  some  cleave  the  welkin  fleet, 
Some  nimbly  run  o'er  hills  and  valley*,  light, 
A  wicked  troop,  that  with  allurements  sweet 
Draws  sinful  man  from  that  is  good  and  right, 
And  there  with  hellish  pomp  their  banquets  brought 
They  solemnize,  thus  the  vain  Pagans  thought. 

No  twist,  no  twig,  no  bough  nor  branch,  therefore, 
The  Saracens  cut  from  that  sacred  spring; 
But  yet  the  Christians  spared  ne'er  the  more 
The  trees  to  earth  with  cutting  steel  to  bring: 
Thither  went  Ismen  old  with  tresses  hoar, 
When  night  on  all  this  earth  spread  forth  her  wing, 
And  there  in  silence  deaf  and  mirksome  shade 
His  characters  and  circles  vain  he  made: 

He  in  the  circle  set  one  foot  unshod, 
And  whispered  dreadful  charms  in  ghastly  wise, 
Three  times,  for  witchcraft  loveth  numbers  odd, 
Toward  the  east  he  gaped,  westward  thrice, 
He  struck  the  earth  thrice  with  his  charmed  rod 
Wherewith  dead  bones  he  makes  from  grave  to  rise, 
And  thrice  the  ground  with  naked  foot  he  smote, 
And  thus  he  cried  loud,  with  thundering  note : 

"  Hear,  hear,  you  spirits  all  that  whilom  fell, 
Cast  down  from  heaven  with  dint  of  roaring  thunder ; 
Hear,  you  amid  the  empty  air  that  dwell 
And  storms  and  showers  pour  on  these  kingdoms  under; 
Hear,  all  you  devils  that  lie  in  deepest  hell 
And  rend  with  torments  damned  ghosts  asunder, 
And  of  those  lands  of  death,  of  pain  and  fear, 
Thou  monarch  great,  great  Dis,  great  Pluto,  hear ! 


266  TASSO 

"  Keep  you  this  forest  well,  keep  every  tree, 
Numbered  I  give  you  them  and  truly  told ; 
As  souls  of  men  in  bodies  clothed  be 
So  every  plant  a  sprite  shall  hide  and  hold, 
With  trembling  fear  make  all  the  Christians  flee, 
When  they  presume  to  cut  these  cedars  old :  " 
This  said,  his  charms  he  gan  again  repeat, 
Which  none  can  say  but  they  that  use  like  feat. 

At  those  strange  speeches,  still  night's  splendent  fires 
Quenched  their  lights,  and  shrunk  away  for  doubt, 
The  feeble  moon  her  silver  beams  retires, 
And  wrapt  her  horns  with  folding  clouds  about, 
Ismen  his  sprites  to  come  with  speed  requires, 
"  Why  come  you  not,  you  ever  damned  rout  ? 
Why  tarry  you  so  long?  pardie  you  stay 
Till  stronger  charms  and  greater  words  I  say. 

"  I  have  not  yet  forgot  for  want  of  use, 
What  dreadful  terms  belong  this  sacred  feat, 
My  tongue,  if  still  your  stubborn  hearts  refuse, 
That  so  much  dreaded  name  can  well  repeat, 
Which  heard,  great  Dis  cannot  himself  excuse, 
But  hither  run  from  his  eternal  seat, 

O  great  and  fearful !  " — More  he  would  have  said, 
But  that  he  saw  the  sturdy  sprites  obeyed. 

Legions  of  devils  by  thousands  thither  come, 
Such  as  in  sparsed  air  their  biding  make, 
And  thousands  also  which  by  Heavenly  doom 
Condemned  lie  in  deep  Avernus  lake, 
But  slow  they  came,  displeased  all  and  some 
Because  those  woods  they  should  in  keeping  take, 
Yet  they  obeyed  and  took  the  charge  in  hand, 
And  under  every  branch  and  leaf  they  stand. 

When  thus  his  cursed  work  performed  was, 
The  wizard  to  his  king  declared  the  feat, 
"  My  lord,  let  fear,  let  doubt  and  sorrow  pass, 
Henceforth  in  safety  stands  your  regal  seat, 


JERUSALEM  DELIVERED  267 

Your  foe,  as  he  supposed,  no  mean  now  has 
To  build  again  his  rams  and  engines  great : " 
And  then  he  told  at  large  from  part  to  part, 
All  what  he  late  performed  by  wondrous  art. 

"  Besides  this  help,  another  hap,"  quoth  he, 
"  Will  shortly  chance  that  brings  not  profit  small. 
Within  few  days  Mars  and  the  Sun  I  see 
Their  fiery  beams  unite  in  Leo  shall ; 
And  then  extreme  the  scorching  heat  will  be, 
Which  neither  rain  can  quench  nor  dews  that  fall, 
So  placed  are  the  planets  high  and  low, 
That  heat,  fire,  burning  all  the  heavens  foreshow: 

"  So  great  with  us  will  be  the  warmth  therefore, 
As  with  the  Garamants  or  those  of  Inde ; 
Yet  nill  it  grieve  us  in  this  town  so  sore, 
We  have  sweet  shade  and  waters  cold  by  kind: 
Our  foes  abroad  will  be  tormented  more, 
What  shield  can  they  or  what  refreshing  find? 

Heaven  will  them  vanquish  first,  then  Egypt's  crew 
Destroy  them  quite,  weak,  weary,  faint  and  few : 

"  Thou  shalt  sit  still  and  conquer ;  prove  no  more 
The  doubtful  hazard  of  uncertain  fight. 
But  if  Argantes  bold,  that  hates  so  sore 
All  cause  of  quiet  peace,  though  just  and  right, 
Provoke  thee  forth  to  battle,  as  before, 
Find  means  to  calm  the  rage  of  that  fierce  knight, 
For  shortly  Heaven  will  send  thee  ease  and  peace, 
And  war  and  trouble  mongst  thy  foes  increase." 

The  king  assured  by  these  speeches  fair, 
Held  Godfrey's  power,  his  might  and  strength  in  scorn, 
And  now  the  walls  he  gan  in  part  repair, 
Which  late  the  ram  had  bruised  with  iron  horn, 
With  wise  foresight  and  well  advised  care 
He  fortified  each  breach  and  bulwark  torn, 
And  all  his  folk,  men,  women,  children  small, 

With  endless  toil  again  repaired  the  wall. 

Classics.     Vol.   35— M 


a68  TASSO 

But  Godfrey  nould  this  while  bring  forth  his  power 
To  give  assault  against  that  fort  in  vain, 
Till  he  had  builded  new  his  dreadful  tower, 
And  reared  high  his  down- fallen  rams  again: 
His  workmen  therefore  he  despatched  that  hour 
To  hew  the  trees  out  of  the  forest  main, 

They  went,  and  scant  the  wood  appeared  in  sight 
When  wonders  new  their  fearful  hearts  affright: 

As  silly  children  dare  not  bend  their  eye 
Where  they  are  told  strange  bugbears  haunt  the  place, 
Or  as  new  monsters,  while  in  bed  they  lie, 
Their  fearful  thoughts  present  before  their  face; 
So  feared  they,  and  fled,  yet  wist  not  why, 
Nor  what  pursued  them  in  that  fearful  chase, 
Except  their  fear  perchance  while  thus  they  fled, 
New  chimeras,  sphinxes,  or  like  monsters  bred: 

Swift  to  the  camp  they  turned  back  dismayed, 
With  words  confused  uncertain  tales  they  told, 
That  all  which  heard  them  scorned  what  they  said 
And  those  reports  for  lies  and  fables  hold. 
A  chosen  crew  in  shining  arms  arrayed 
Duke  Godfrey  thither  sent  of  soldiers  bold, 

To  guard  the  men  and  their  faint  arms  provoke 
To  cut  the  dreadful  trees  with  hardy  stroke: 

These  drawing  near  the  wood  where  close  ypent 
The  wicked  sprites  in  sylvan  pinfolds  were, 
Their  eyes  upon  those  shades  no  sooner  bent 
But  frozen  dread  pierced  through  their  entrails  dear; 
Yet  on  they  stalked  still,  and  on  they  went, 
Under  bold  semblance  hiding  coward  fear, 

And  so  far  wandered  forth  with  trembling  pace, 
Till  they  approached  nigh  that  enchanted  place: 

When  from  the  grove  a  fearful  sound  outbreaks, 
As  if  some  earthquake  hill  and  mountain  tore, 
Wherein  the  southern  wind  a  rumbling  makes, 
Or  like  sea  waves  against  the  scraggy  shore; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  269 

There  lions  grumble,  there  hiss  scaly  snakes, 
There  howl  the  wolves,  the  rugged  bears  there  roar, 
There  trumpets  shrill  are  heard  and  thunders  fell, 
And  all  these  sounds  one  sound  expressed  well. 

Upon  their  faces  pale  well  might  you  note 
A  thousand  signs  of  heart-amating  fear, 
Their  reason  gone,  by  no  device  they  wot 
How  to  press  nigh,  or  stay  still  where  they  were, 
Against  that  sudden  dread  their  breasts  which  smote, 
Their  courage  weak  no  shield  of  proof  could  bear, 
At  last  they  fled,  and  one  than  all  more  bold, 
Excused  their  flight,  and  thus  the  wonders  told: 

"  My  lord,  not  one  of  us  there  is,  I  grant, 
That  dares  cut  down  one  branch  in  yonder  spring, 
I  think  there  dwells  a  sprite  in  every  plant, 
There  keeps  his  court  great  Dis  infernal  king, 
He  hath  a  heart  of  hardened  adamant 
That  without  trembling  dares  attempt  the  thing, 
And  sense  he  wanteth  who  so  hardy  is 
To  hear  the  forest  thunder,  roar  and  hiss." 

This  said,  Alcasto  to  his  words  gave  heed, 
Alcasto  leader  of  the  Switzers  grim, 
A  man  both  void  of  wit  and  void  of  dreed, 
Who  feared  not  loss  of  life  nor  loss  of  limb. 
No  savage  beasts  in  deserts  wild  that  feed 
Nor  ugly  monster  could  dishearten  him, 

Nor  whirlwind,  thunder,  earthquake,  storm,  or  aught 
That  in  this  world  is  strange  or  fearful  thought. 

He  shook  his  head,  and  smiling  thus  gan  say, 
"  The  hardiness  have  I  that  wood  to  fell, 
And  those  proud  trees  low  in  the  dust  to  lay 
Wherein  such  grisly  fiends  and  monsters  dwell; 
No  roaring  ghost  my  courage  can  dismay, 
No  shriek  of  birds,  beast's  roar,  or  dragon's  yell ; 
But  through  and  through  that  forest  will  I  wend, 
Although  to  deepest  hell  the  paths  descend." 


ayo  TASSO 

Thus  boasted  he,  and  leave  to  go  desired, 
And  forward  went  with  joyful  cheer  and  will, 
He  viewed  the  wood  and  those  thick  shades  admired, 
He  heard  the  wondrous  noise  and  rumbling  shrill; 
Yet  not  one  foot  the  audacious  man  retired, 
He  scorned  the  peril,  pressing  forward  still, 
Till  on  the  forest's  outmost  marge  he  stepped, 
A  flaming  fire  from  entrance  there  him  kept. 

The  fire  increased^  and  built  a  stately  wall 

Of  burning  coals,  quick  sparks,  and  embers  hot, 

And  with  bright  flames  the  wood  environed  all, 

That  there  no  tree  nor  twist  Alcasto  got ; 

The  higher  stretched  the  flames  seemed  bulwarks  tall, 

Castles  and  turrets  full  of  fiery  shot, 

With  slings  and  engines  strong  of  every  sort ; — 
What  mortal  wight  durst  scale  so  strange  a  fort? 

Oh  what  strange  monsters  on  the  battlement 
In  loathsome  forms  stood  to  defend  the  place? 
Their  frowning  looks  upon  the  knight  they  bent, 
And  threatened  death  with  shot,  with  sword  and  mace; 
At  last  he  fled,  and  though  but  slow  he  went, 
As  lions  do  whom  jolly  hunters  chase; 

Yet  fled  the  man  and  with  sad  fear  withdrew, 
Though  fear  till  then  he  never  felt  nor  knew. 

That  he  had  fled  long  time  he  never  wist, 
But  when  far  run  he  had  discoverd  it, 
Himself  for  wonder  with  his  hand  he  blist, 
A  bitter  sorrow  by  the  heart  him  bit, 
Amazed,  ashamed,  disgraced,  sad,  silent,  trist, 
Alone  he  would  all  day  in  darkness  sit, 

Nor  durst  he  look  on  man  of  worth  or  fame, 

His  pride  late  great,  now  greater  made  his  shame. 

Godfredo  called  him,  but  he  found  delays 

And  causes  why  he  should  his  cabin  keep, 

At  length  perforce  he  comes,  but  naught  he  says, 

Or  talks  like  those  that  babble  in  their  sleep. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  271 

His  shamefacedness  to  Godfrey  plain  bewrays 
His  flight,  so  does  his  sighs  and  sadness  deep : 

Whereat  amazed,  "  What  chance  is  this  ?  "  quoth  he. 

"  These  witchcrafts  strange  or  nature's  wonders  be. 

"  But  if  his  courage  any  champion  move 
To  try  the  hazard  of  this  dreadful  spring, 
I  give  him  leave  the  adventure  great  to  prove, 
Some  news  he  may  report  us  of  the  thing :  " 
This  said,  his  lords  attempt  the  charmed  grove, 
Yet  nothing  back  but  fear  and  flight  they  bring, 
For  them  inforced  with  trembling  to  retire, 
The  sight,  the  sound,  the  monsters  and  the  fire. 

This  happed  when  woful  Tancred  left  his  bed 

To  lay  in  marble  cold  his  mistress  dear, 

The  lively  color  from  his  cheek  was  fled, 

His  limbs  were  weak  his  helm  or  targe  to  bear; 

Nathless  when  need  to  high  attempts  him  led, 

No  labor  would  he  shun,  no  danger  fear, 

His  valor,  boldness,  heart  and  courage  brave, 
To  his  faint  body  strength  and  vigor  gave. 

To  this  exploit  forth  went  the  venturous  knight, 

Fearless,  yet  heedful ;  silent,  well  advised, 

The  terrors  of  that  forest's  dreadful  sight, 

Storms,  earthquakes,  thunders,  cries,  he  all  despised, 

He  feared  nothing,  yet  a  motion  light, 

That  quickly  vanished,  in  his  heart  arised 

When  lo,  between  him  and  the  charmed  wood, 

A  fiery  city  high  as  heaven  up  stood. 

The  knight  stepped  back  and  took  a  sudden  pause, 
And  to  himself,  "  What  help  these  arms  ?  "  quoth  he, 
"  If  in  this  fire,  or  monster's  gaping  jaws 
I  headlong  cast  myself,  what  boots  it  me? 
For  common  profit,  or  my  country's  cause, 
To  hazard  life  before  me  none  should  be: 

But  this  exploit  of  no  such  weight  I  hold, 

For  it  to  lose  a  prince  or  champion  bold. 


TASSO 

"  But  if  I  fly,  what  will  the  Pagans  say  ? 

If  I  retire,  who  shall  cut  down  this  spring? 

Godfredo  will  attempt  it  every  day. 

What  if  some  other  knight  perform  the  thing? 

These  flames  uprisen  to  forestall  my  way 

Perchance  more  terror  far  than  danger  bring. 

But  hap  what  shall ;  "  this  said,  he  forward  stepped, 
And  through  the  fire,  oh  wondrous  boldness,  leapt ! 

He  bolted  through,  but  neither  warmth  nor  heat 

He  felt,  nor  sign  of  fire  or  scorching  flame ; 

Yet  wist  he  not  in  his  dismayed  conceit, 

If  that  were  fire  or  no  through  which  he  came ; 

For  at  first  touch  vanished  those  monsters  great, 

And  in  their  stead  the  clouds  black  night  did  frame 

And  hideous  storms  and  showers  of  hail  and  rain; 

Yet  storms  and  tempests  vanished  straight  again. 

Amazed  but  not  afraid  the  champion  good 
Stood  still,  but  when  the  tempest  passed  he  spied, 
He  entered  boldly  that  forbidden  wood, 
And  of  the  forest  all  the  secrets  eyed, 
In  all  his  walk  no  sprite  or  phantasm  stood 
That  stopped  his  way  or  passage  free  denied, 
Save  that  the  growing  trees  so  thick  were  set, 
That  oft  his  sight,  and  passage  oft  they  let. 

At  length  a  fair  and  spacious  green  he  spied, 
Like  calmest  waters,  plain,  like  velvet,  soft, 
Wherein  a  cypress  clad  in  summer's  pride, 
Pyramid-wise,  lift  up  his  tops  aloft; 
In  whose  smooth  bark  upon  the  evenest  side, 
Strange  characters  he  found,  and  viewed  them  oft, 
Like  those  which  priests  of  Egypt  erst  instead 
Of  letters  used,  which  none  but  they  could  read. 

Mongst  them  he  picked  out  these  words  at  last, 

Writ  in  the  Syriac  tongue,  which  well  he  could, 

"  Oh  hardy  knight,  who  through  these  woods  hast  passed : 

Where  Death  his  palace  and  his  court  doth  hold ! 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  273 

Oh  trouble  not  these  souls  in  quiet  placed, 

Oh  be  not  cruel  as  thy  heart  is  bold, 

Pardon  these  ghosts  deprived  of  heavenly  light, 
With  spirits  dead  why  should  men  living  fight?" 

This  found  he  graven  in  the  tender  rind, 
And  while  he  mused  on  this  uncouth  writ, 
Him  thought  he  heard  the  softly  whistling  wind 
His  blasts  amid  the  leaves  and  branches  knit 
And  frame  a  sound  like  speech  of  human  kind, 
But  full  of  sorrow  grief  and  woe  was  it, 
Whereby  his  gentle  thoughts  all  filled  were 
With  pity,  sadness,  grief,  compassion,  fear. 

He  drew  his  sword  at  last,  and  gave  the  tree 
A  mighty  blow,  that  made  a  gaping  wound, 
Out  of  the  rift  red  streams  he  trickling  see 
That  all  bebled  the  verdant  plain  around, 
His  hair  start  up,  yet  once  again  stroke  he, 
He  nould  give  over  till  the  end  he  found 

Of  this  adventure,  when  with  plaint  and  moan, 
As  from  some  hollow  grave,  he  heard  one  groan. 

"  Enough,  enough !  "  the  voice  lamenting  said, 
"  Tancred,  thou  hast  me  hurt,  thou  didst  me  drive 
Out  of  the  body  of  a  noble  maid 
Who  with  me  lived,  whom  late  I  kept  on  live, 
And  now  within  this  woful  cypress  laid, 
My  tender  rind  thy  weapon  sharp  doth  rive, 
Cruel,  is't  not  enough  thy  foes  to  kill, 
But  in  their  graves  wilt  thou  torment  them  still? 

"  I  was  Clorinda,  now  imprisoned  here, 

Yet  not  alone  within  this  plant  I  dwell, 

For  every  Pagan  lord  and  Christian -peer, 

Before  the  city's  walls  last  day  that  fell, 

In  bodies  new  or  graves  I  wot  not  clear, 

But  here  they  are  confined  by  magic's  spell, 
So  that  each  tree  hath  life,  and  sense  each  bougH, 
A  murderer  if  thou  cut  one  twist  art  thou." 


TASSO 

As  the  sick  man  that  in  his  sleep  doth  see 

Some  ugly  dragon,  or  some  chimera  new, 

Though  he  suspect,  or  half  persuaded  be, 

It  is -an  idle  dream,  no  monster  true, 

Yet  still  he  fears,  he  quakes,  and  strives  to  flee, 

So  fearful  is  that  wondrous  form  to  view ; 

So  feared  the  knight,  yet  he  both  knew  and  thought 
All  were  illusions  false  by  witchcraft  wrought: 

But  cold  and  trembling  waxed  his  frozen  heart, 
Such  strange  effects,  such  passions  it  torment, 
Out  of  his  feeble  hand  his  weapon  start, 
Himself  out  of  his  wits  nigh,  after  went: 
Wounded  he  saw,  he  thought,  for  pain  and  smart, 
His  lady  weep,  complain,  mourn,  and  lament, 
Nor  could  he  suffer  her  dear  blood  to  see, 
Or  hear  her  sighs  that  deep  far  fetched  be. 

Thus  his  fierce  heart  which  death  had  scorned  oft, 
Whom  no  strange  shape  or  monster  could  dismay, 
With  feigned  shows  of  tender  love  made  soft, 
A  spirit  false  did  with  vain  plaints  betray; 
A  whirling  wind  his  sword  heaved  up  aloft, 
And  through  the  forest  bare  it  quite  away. 
O'ercome  retired  the  prince,  and  as  he  came, 
His  sword  he  found,  and  repossessed  the  same, 

Yet  nould  return,  he  had  no  mind  to  try 
His  courage  further  in  those  forests  green; 
But  when  to  Godfrey's  tent  he  proached  nigh, 
His  spirits  waked,  his  thoughts  composed  been, 
"  My  Lord,"  quoth  he,  "  a  witness  true  am  I 
Of  wonders  strange,  believe  it  scant  though  seen, 
What  of  the  fire,  the  shades,  the  dreadful  sound 
You  heard,  all  true  by  proof  myself  have  found; 

"  A  burning  fire,  so  are  those  deserts  charmed, 
Built  like  a  battled  wall  to  heaven  was  reared; 
Whereon  with  darts  and  dreadful  weapons  armed, 
Of  monsters  foul  mis-shaped  whole  bands  appeared ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  275 

But  through  them  all  I  passed,  unhurt,  unharmed, 

No  flame  or  threatened  blow  I  felt  or  feared, 
Then  rain  and  night  I  found,  but  straight  again 
To  day,  the  night,  to  sunshine  turned  the  rain. 

"  What  would  you  more  ?  each  tree  through  all  that  wood 
Hath  sense,  hath  life,  hath  speech,  like  human  kind, 
I  heard  their  words  as  in  that  grove  I  stood, 
That  mournful  voice  still,  still  I  bear  in  mind : 
And,  as  they  were  of  flesh,  the  purple  blood 
At  every  blow  streams  from  the  wounded  rind; 

No,  no,  not  I,  nor  any  else,  I  trow, 

Hath  power  to  cut  one  leaf,  one  branch,  one  bough." 

While  thus  he  said,  the  Christian's  noble  guide 

Felt  uncouth  strife  in  his  contentious  thought, 

He  thought,  what  if  himself  in  person  tried 

Those  witchcrafts  strange,  and  bring  those  charms  to  naught, 

For  such  he  deemed  them,  or  elsewhere  provide 

For  timber  easier  got  though  further  sought, 

But  from  his  study  he  at  last  abraid, 

Called  by  the  hermit  old  that  to  him  said : 

"  Leave  off  thy  hardy  thought,  another's  hands 
Of  these  her  plants  the  wood  dispoilen  shall, 
Now,  now  the  fatal  ship  of  conquest  lands, 
Her  sails  are  struck,  her  silver  anchors  fall, 
Our  champion  broken  hath  his  worthless  bands, 
And  looseth  from  the  soil  which  held  him  thrall, 
The  time  draws  nigh  when  our  proud  foes  in  field 
Shall  slaughtered  lie,  and  Sion's  fort  shall  yield." 

This  said,  his  visage  shone  with  beams  divine, 

And  more  than  mortal  was  his  voice's  sound, 

Godfredo's  thought  to  other  acts  incline, 

His  working  brain  was  never  idle  found. 

But  in  the  Crab  now  did  bright  Titan  shine, 

And  scorched  with  scalding  beams  the  parched  ground, 
And  made  unfit  for  toil  or  warlike  feat 
His  soldiers,  weak  with  labor,  faint  with  sweat : 


276  TASSO 

The  planets  mild  their  lamps  benign  quenched  out, 
And  cruel  stars  in  heaven  did  signorize, 
Whose  influence  cast  fiery  flames  about 
And  hot  impressions  through  the  earth  and  skies, 
The  growing  heat  still  gathered  deeper  rout, 
The  noisome  warmth  through  lands  and  kingdoms  flies, 
A  harmful  night  a  hurtful  day  succeeds, 
And  worse  than  both  next  morn  her  light  outspreads. 

When  Phoebus  rose  he  left  his  golden  weed, 
And  donned  a  gite  in  deepest  purple  dyed, 
His  sanguine  beams  about  his  forehead  spread, 
A  sad  presage  of  ill  that  should  betide, 
With  vermeil  drops  at  even  his  tresses  bleed, 
Foreshows  of  future  heat,  from  the  ocean  wide 
When  next  he  rose,  and  thus  increased  still 
Their  present  harms  with  dread  of  future  ill. 

While  thus  he  bent  gainst  earth  his  scorching  rays, 
He  burnt  the  flowers,  burnt  his  Clytie  dear, 
The  leaves  grew  wan  upon  the  withered  sprays, 
The  grass  and  growing  herbs  all  parched  were, 
Earth  cleft  in  rifts,  in  floods  their  streams  decays, 
The  barren  clouds  with  lightning  bright  appear, 
And  mankind  feared  lest  Climenes'  child  again 
Had  driven  awry  his  sire's  ill-guided  wain. 

As  from  a  furnace  flew  the  smoke  to  skies, 
Such  smoke  as  that  when  damned  Sodom  brent, 
Within  his  caves  sweet  Zephyr  silent  lies, 
Still  was  the  air,  the  rack  nor  came  nor  went, 
But  o'er  the  lands  with  lukewarm  breathing  flies 
The  southern  wind,  from  sunburnt  Afric  sent, 
Which  thick  and  warm  his  interrupted  blasts 
Upon  their  bosoms,  throats,  and  faces  casts. 

Nor  yet  more  comfort  brought  the  gloomy  night, 
In  her  thick  shades  was  burning  heat  uprolled, 
Her  sable  mantle  was  embroidered  bright 
With  blazing  stars  and  gliding  fires  for  gold, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  877 

Nor  to  refresh,  sad  earth,  thy  thirsty  sprite, 
The  niggard  moon  let  fall  her  May  dews  cold, 
And  dried  up  the  vital  moisture  was, 
In  trees,  in  plants,  in  herbs,  in  flowers,  in  grass. 

Sleep  to  his  quiet  dales  exiled  fled 
From  these  unquiet  nights,  and  oft  in  vain 
The  soldiers  restless  sought  the  god  in  bed, 
But  most  for  thirst  they  mourned  and  most  complain; 
For  Juda's  tyrant  had  strong  poison  shed, 
Poison  that  breeds  more  woe  and  deadly  pain, 
Than  Acheron  or  Stygian  waters  bring, 
In  every  fountain,  cistern,  well  and  spring: 

And  little  Siloe  that  his  store  bestows 
Of  purest  crystal  on  the  Christian  bands, 
The  pebbles  naked  in  his  channel  shows 
And  scantly  glides  above  the  scorched  sands, 
Nor  Po  in  May  when  o'er  his  banks  he  flows, 
Nor  Ganges,  waterer  of  the  Indian  lands, 

Nor  seven-mouthed  Nile  that  yields  all  Egypt  drink, 
To  quench  their  thirst  the  men  sufficient  think. 

He  that  the  gliding  rivers  erst  had  seen 
Adown  their  verdant  channels  gently  rolled, 
Or  falling  streams  which  to  the  valleys  green 
Distilled  from  tops  of  Alpine  mountains  cold, 
Those  he  desired  in  vain,  new  torments  been, 
Augmented  thus  with  wish  of  comforts  old, 
Those  waters  cool  he  drank  in  vain  conceit, 
Which  more  increased  his  thirst,  increased  his  heat. 

The  sturdy  bodies  of  the  warriors  strong, 
Whom  neither  marching  far,  nor  tedious  way, 
Nor  weighty  arms  which  on  their  shoulders  hung, 
Could  weary  make,  nor  death  itself  dismay; 
Now  weak  and  feeble  cast  their  limbs  along, 
Unwieldly  burdens,  on  the  burned  clay, 

And  in  each  vein  a  smouldering  fire  there  dwelt, 
Which  dried  their  flesh  and  solid  bones  did  melt. 


278  TASSO 

Languished  the  steed  late  fierce,  and  proffered  grass, 
His  fodder  erst,  despised  and  from  him  cast, 
Each  step  he  stumbled,  and  which  lofty  was 
And  high  advanced  before  now  fell  his  crest, 
His  conquests  gotten  all  forgotten  pass, 
Nor  with  desire  of  glory  swelled  his  breast, 
The  spoils  won  from  his  foe,  his  late  rewards, 
He  now  neglects,  despiseth,  naught  regards. 

Languished  the  faithful  dog,  and  wonted  care 
Of  his  dear  lord  and  cabin  both  forgot, 
Panting  he  laid,  and  gathered  fresher  air 
To  cool  the  burning  in  his  entrails  hot : 
But  breathing,  which  wise  nature  did  prepare 
To  suage  the  stomach's  heat,  now  booted  not, 
For  little  ease,  alas,  small  help,  they  win 
That  breathe  forth  air  and  scalding  fire  suck  in. 

Thus  languished  the  earth,  in  this  estate 
Lay  woful  thousands  of  the  Christians  stout, 
The  faithful  people  grew  nigh  desperate 
Of  hoped  conquest,  shameful  death  they  doubt, 
Of  their  distress  they  talk  and  oft  debate, 
These  sad  complaints  were  heard  the  camp  throughout: 
"  What  hope  hath  Godfrey  ?  shall  we  still  here  lie 
Till  all  his  soldiers,  all  our  armies  die? 

"  Alas,  with  what  device,  what  strength,  thinks  he 
To  scale  these  walls,  or  this  strong  fort  to  get? 
Whence  hath  he  engines  new  ?  doth  he  not  see, 
How  wrathful  Heaven  gainst  us  his  sword  doth  whet? 
These  tokens  shown  true  signs  and  witness  be 
Our  angry  God  our  proud  attempts  doth  let, 
And  scorching  sun  so  hot  his  beams  outspreads, 
That  not  more  cooling  Inde  nor  ^Ethiop  needs. 

"  Or  thinks  he  it  an  eath  or  little  thing 
That  us  despised,  neglected,  and  disdained, 
Like  abjects  vile,  to  death  he  thus  should  bring, 
That  so  his  empire  may  be  still  maintained? 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  279 

Is  it  so  great  a  bliss  to  be  a  king, 

When  he  that  wears  the  crown  with  blood  is  stained 

And  buys  his  sceptre  with  his  people's  lives? 

See  whither  glory  vain,  fond  mankind  drives. 

"  See,  see  the  man,  called  holy,  just,  and  good, 
That  courteous,  meek,  and  humble  would  be  thought, 
Yet  never  cared  in  what  distress  we  stood 
If  his  vain  honor  were  diminished  naught, 
When  dried  up  from  us  his  spring  and  flood 
His  water  must  from  Jordan  streams  be  brought, 
And  how  he  sits  at  feasts  and  banquets  sweet 
And  mingleth  waters  fresh  with  wines  of  Crete." 

The  French  thus  murmured,  but  the  Greekish  knight 

Tatine,  that  of  this  war  was  weary  grown : 

"  Why  die  we  here,"  quoth  he,  "  slain  without  fight, 

Killed,  not  subdued,  murdered,  not  overthrown?; 

Upon  the  Frenchmen  let  the  penance  light 

Of  Godfrey's  folly,  let  me  save  mine  own," 

And  as  he  said,  without  farewell,  the  knight 

And  all  his  cornet  stole  away  by  night. 

His  bad  example  many  a  troop  prepares 
To  imitate,  when  his  escape  they  know, 
Clotharius  his  band,  and  Ademare's, 
And  all  whose  guides  in  dust  were  buried  low, 
Discharged  of  duty's  chains  and  bondage  snares, 
Free  from  their  oath,  to  none  they  service  owe, 
But  now  concluded  all  on  secret  flight, 
And  shrunk  away  by  thousands  every  night. 

Godfredo  this  both  heard,  and  saw,  and  knew, 
Yet  nould  with  death  them  chastise  though  he  mought, 
But  with  that  faith  wherewith  he  could  renew 
The  steadfast  hills  and  seas  dry  up  to  naught 
He  prayed  the  Lord  upon  his  flock  to  rue, 
To  ope  the  springs  of  grace  and  ease  this  drought, 
Out  of  his  looks  shone  zeal,  devotion,  faith, 
His  hands  and  eyes  to  heaven  he  heaves,  and  saith : 


a8o  TASSO 

"  Father  and  Lord,  if  in  the  deserts  waste 
Thou  hadst  compassion  on  thy  children  dear, 
The  craggy  rock  when  Moses  cleft  and  brast, 
And  drew  forth  flowing  streams  of  waters  clear, 
Like  mercy,  Lord,  like  grace  on  us  down  cast ; 
And  though  our  merits  less  than  theirs  appear, 
Thy  grace  supply  that  want,  for  though  they  be 
Thy  first-born  son,  thy  children  yet  are  we." 

These  prayers  just,  from  humble  hearts  forth  sent, 
Were  nothing  slow  to  climb  the  starry  sky, 
But  swift  as  winged  bird  themselves  present 
Before  the  Father  of  the  heavens  high: 
The  Lord  accepted  them,  and  gently  bent 
Upon  the  faithful  host  His  gracious  eye, 
And  in  what  pain  and  what  distress  it  laid, 
He  saw,  and  grieved  to  see,  and  thus  He  said : 

"  Mine  armies  dear  till  now  have  suffered  woe, 
Distress  and  danger,  hell's  infernal  power 
Their  enemy  hath  been,  the  world  their  foe, 
But  happy  be  their  actions  from  this  hour: 
What  they  begin  to  blessed  end  shall  go, 
I  will  refresh  them  with  a  gentle  shower ; 
Rinaldo  shall  return,  the  Egyptian  crew 
They  shall  encounter,  conquer*  and  subdue." 

At  these  high  words  great  heaven  began  to  shake, 
The  fixed  stars,  the  planets  wandering  still, 
Trembled  the  air,  the  earth  and  ocean  quake, 
Spring,  fountain,  river,  forest,  dale  and  hill ; 
From  north  to  east,  a  lightning  flash  outbrake, 
And  coming  drops  presaged  with  thunders  shrill : 
With  joyful  shouts  the  soldiers  on  the  plain, 
These  tokens  bless  of  long-desired  rain. 

A  sudden  cloud,  as  when  Helias  prayed, 

Not  from  dry  earth  exhaled  by  Phoebus'  beams, 

Arose,  moist  heaven  his  windows  open  laid, 

Whence  clouds  by  heaps  out  rush,  and  watery  streams, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  * 

The  world  o'erspread  was  with  a  gloomy  shade, 
That  like  a  dark  mirksome  even  it  seems ; 

The  crashing  rain  from  molten  skies  down  fell, 
And  o'er  their  banks  the  brooks  and  fountains  swell. 

In  summer  season,  when  the  cloudy  sky 
Upon  the  parched  ground  doth  rain  down  send, 
As  duck  and  mallard  in  the  furrows  dry 
With  merry  noise  the  promised  showers  attend, 
And  spreading  broad  their  wings  displayed  lie 
To  keep  the  drops  that  on  their  plumes  descend, 
And  where  the  streams  swell  to  a  gathered  lake, 
Therein  they  dive,  and  sweet  refreshing  take: 

So  they  the  streaming  showers  with  shouts  and  cries 
Salute,  which  heaven  shed  on  the  thirsty  lands, 
The  falling  liquor  from  the  dropping  skies 
He  catcheth  in  his  lap,  he  barehead  stands, 
And  his  bright  helm  to  drink  therein  unties, 
In  the  fresh  streams  he  dives  his  sweaty  hands, 
Their  faces  some,  and  some  their  temples  wet, 
And  some  to  keep  the  drops  large  vessels  set. 

Nor  man  alone  to  ease  his  burning  sore, 
Herein  doth  dive  and  wash,  and  hereof  drinks, 
But  earth  itself  weak,  feeble,  faint  before, 
Whose  solid  limbs  were  cleft  with  rifts  and  chinks, 
Received  the  falling  showers  and  gathered  store 
Of  liquor  sweet,  that  through  her  veins  down  sinks, 
And  moisture  new  infused  largely  was 
In  trees,  in  plants,  in  herbs,  in  flowers,  in  grass. 

Earth,  like  the  patient  was,  whose  lively  blood 
Hath  overcome  at  last  some  sickness  strong, 
Whose  feeble  limbs  had  been  the  bait  and  food 
Whereon  this  strange  disease  depastured  long, 
But  now  restored,  in  health  and  welfare  stood, 
As  sound  as  erst,  as  fresh,  as  fair,  as  young ; 
So  that  forgetting  all  his  grief  and  pain, 
His  pleasant  robes  and  crowns  he  takes  again. 


TASSO 

Ceased  the  rain,  the  sun  began  to  shine, 
With  fruitful,  sweet,  benign,  and  gentle  ray, 
Full  of  strong  power  and  vigor  masculine, 
As  be  his  beams  in  April  or  in  May. 
O  happy  zeal !  who  trusts  in  help  divine 
The  world's  afflictions  thus  can  drive  away, 

Can  storms  appease,  and  times  and  seasons  change, 
And  conquer  fortune,  fate,  and  destiny  strange. 


FOURTEENTH   BOOK 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

The  Lord  to  Godfrey  in  a  dream  doth  show 

His  will;  Rinaldo  must  return  at  last; 

They  have  their  asking  who  for  pardon  sue: 

Two  knights  to  find  the  prince  are  sent  in  haste, 

But  Peter,  who  by  vision  all  foreknew, 

Sendeth  the  searchers  to  a  wizard,  placed 
Deep  in  a  vault,  who  first  at  large  declares 
Armida's  trains,  then  how  to  shun  those  snares. 

NOW  from  the  fresh,  the  soft  and  tender  bed 
Of  her  still  mother,  gentle  night  out  flew, 
The  fleeting  balm  on  hills  and  dales  she  shed, 
With  honey  drops  of  pure  and  precious  dew, 
And  on  the  verdure  of  green  forests  spread 
The  virgin  primrose  and  the  violet  blue, 

And  sweet-breathed  Zephyr  on  his  spreading  wings, 
Sleep,  ease,  repose,  rest,  peace  and  quiet  brings. 

The  thoughts  and  troubles  of  broad-waking  day, 
They  softly  dipped  in  mild  Oblivion's  lake; 
But  he  whose  Godhead  heaven  and  earth  doth  sway, 
In  his  eternal  light  did  watch  and  wake, 
And  bent  on  Godfrey  down  the  gracious  ray 
Of  his  bright  eye,  still  ope  for  Godfrey's  sake, 

To  whom  a  silent  dream  the  Lord  down  sent. 

Which  told  his  will,  his  pleasure  and  intent. 

Far  in  the  east,  the  golden  gate  beside 
Whence  Phoebus  comes,  a  crystal  port  there  is, 
And  ere  the  sun  his  broad  doors  open  wide 
The  beam  of  springing  day  uncloseth  this, 
Hence  comes  the  dreams,  by  which  heaven's  sacred  guide 
Reveals  to  man  those  high  degrees  of  his, 
Hence  toward  Godfrey  ere  he  left  his  bed 
A  vision  strange  his  golden  plumes  bespread. 
283 


284  TASSO 

Such  semblances,  such  shapes,  such  portraits  fair, 

Did  never  yet  in  dream  or  sleep  appear, 

For  all  the  forms  in  sea,  in  earth  or  air, 

The  signs  in  heaven,  the  stars  in  every  sphere 

All  that  was  wondrous,  uncouth,  strange  and  rare, 

All  in  that  vision  well  presented  were. 

His  dream  had  placed  him  in  a  crystal  wide, 
Beset  with  golden  fires,  top,  bottom,  side, 

There  while  he  wondereth  on  the  circles  vast, 
The  stars,  their  motions,  course  and  harmony, 
A  knight,  with  shining  rays  and  fire  embraced, 
Presents  himself  unwares  before  his  eye, 
Who  with  a  voice  that  far  for  sweetness  passed 
All  human  speech,  thus  said,  approaching  nigh: 

"  What,  Godfrey,  knowest  thou  not  thy  Hugo  here? 

Come  and  embrace  thy  friend  and  fellow  dear !  " 

He  answered  him,  "  Thy  glorious  shining  light 
Which  in  thine  eyes  his  glistering  beams  doth  place, 
Estranged  hath  from  my  foreknowledge  quite 
Thy  countenance,  thy  favor,  and  thy  face :  " 
This  said,  three  times  he  stretched  his  hands  outright 
And  would  in  friendly  arms  the  knight  embrace, 
And  thrice  the  spirit  fled,  that  thrice  he  twined 
Naught  in  his  folded  arms  but  air  and  wind. 

Lord  Hugo  smiled,  "  Not  as  you  think,"  quoth  he, 

"  I  clothed  am  in  flesh  and  earthly  mould, 

My  spirit  pure,  and  naked  soul,  you  see, 

A  citizen  of  this  celestial  hold: 

This  place  is  heaven,  and  here  a  room  for  thee 

Prepared  is  among  Christ's  champions  bold :  " 

"  Ah  when,"  quoth  he,  "  these  mortal  bonds  unknit, 
Shall  I  in  peace,  in  ease  and  rest  there  sit  ?  " 

Hugo  replied,  "  Ere  many  years  shall  run, 
Amid  the  saints  in  bliss  here  shalt  thou  reign; 
But  first  great  wars  must  by  thy  hand  be  done, 
Much  blood  be  shed,  and  many  Pagans  slain, 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  285 

The  holy  city  by  assault  be  won, 

The  land  set  free  from  servile  yoke  again, 
Wherein  thou  shalt  a  Christian  empire  frame. 
And  after  thee  shall  Baldwin  rule  the  same. 

"  But  to  increase  thy  love  and  great  desire 
To  heavenward,  this  blessed  place  behold, 
These  shining  lamps,  these  globes  of  living  fire, 
How  they  are  turned,  guided,  moved  and  rolled ; 
The  angels'  singing  hear,  and  all  their  choir; 
Then  bend  thine  eyes  on  yonder  earth  and  mould, 
All  in  that  mass,  that  globe  and  compass  see, 
Land,  sea,  spring,  fountain,  man,  beast,  grass  and  tree. 

"  How  vile,  how  small,  and  of  how  slender  price, 

Is  their  reward  of  goodness,  virtue's  gain ! 

A  narrow  room  our  glory  vain  upties, 

A  little  circle  doth  our  pride  contain, 

Earth  like  an  isle  amid  the  water  lies, 

Which  sea  sometime  is  called,  sometime  the  main, 

Yet  naught  therein  responds  a  name  so  great, 

It's  but  a  lake,  a  pond,  a  marish  strait." 

Thus  said  the  one,  the  other  bended  down 
His  looks  to  ground,  and  half  in  scorn  he  smiled, 
He  saw  at  once  earth,  sea,  flood,  castle,  town, 
Strangely  divided,  strangely  all  compiled, 
And  wondered  folly  man  so  far  should  drown, 
To  set  his  heart  on  things  so  base  and  vild, 
That  servile  empire  searcheth  and  dumb  fame, 
And  scorns  heaven's  bliss,  yet  profTereth  heaven  the  same. 

Wherefore  he  answered,  "  Since  the  Lord  not  yet 
Will  free  my  spirit  from  this  cage  of  clay, 
Lest  worldly  error  vain  my  voyage  let, 
Teach  me  to  heaven  the  best  and  surest  way : " 
Hugo  replied,  "  Thy  happy  foot  is  set 
In  the  true  path,  nor  from  this  passage  stray, 
Only  from  exile  young  Rinaldo  call, 
This  give  I  thee  in  charge,  else  naught  at  all. 


286  TASSO 

"  For  as  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  King  of  bliss, 
Hath  chosen  thee  to  rule  the  faithful  band; 
So  he  thy  stratagems  appointed  is 
To  execute,  so  both  shall  win  this  land : 
The  first  is  thine,  the  second  place  is  his, 
Thou  art  this  army's  head,  and  he  the  hand, 
No  other  champion  can  his  place  supply, 
And  that  thou  do  it  doth  thy  state  deny. 

"  The  enchanted  forest,  and  her  charmed  treen, 
With  cutting  steel  shall  he  to  earth  down  hew, 
And  thy  weak  armies  which  too  feeble  been 
To  scale  again  these  walls  reinforced  new, 
And  fainting  lie  dispersed  on  the  green, 
Shall  take  new  strength  new  courage  at  his  view, 
The  high-built  towers,  the  eastern  squadrons  all, 
Shall  conquered  be,  shall  fly,  shall  die,  shall  fall." 

He  held  his  peace;  and  Godfrey  answered  so: 

"  Oh,  how  his  presence  would  recomfort  me ! 

You  that  man's  hidden  thoughts  perceive  and  know, 

If  I  say  truth,  or  if  I  love  him,  see. 

But  say,  what  messengers  shall  for  him  go? 

What  shall  their  speeches,  what  their  errand  be? 

Shall  I  entreat,  or  else  command  the  man? 

With  credit  neither  well  perform  I  can." 

"  The  eternal  Lord,"  the  other  knight  replied, 
"  That  with  so  many  graces  hath  thee  blest, 
Will,  that  among  the  troops  thou  hast  to  guide, 
Thou  honored  be  and  feared  of  most  and  least: 
Then  speak  not  thou  lest  blemish  some  betide 
Thy  sacred  empire  if  thou  make  request ; 
But  when  by  suit  thou  moved  art  to  ruth, 
Then  yield,  forgive,  and  home  recall  the  youth. 

"  Guelpho  shall  pray  thee,  God  shall  him  inspire, 
To  pardon  this  offence,  this  fault  commit 
By  hasty  wrath,  by  rash  and  headstrong  ire, 
To  call  the  knight  again;  yield  thou  to  it: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  287 

And  though  the  youth,  enwrapped  in  fond  desire, 

Far  hence  in  love  and  looseness  idle  sit, 
Year  fear  it  not,  he  shall  return  with  speed, 
When  most  you  wish  him  and  when  most  you  need. 

"  Your  hermit  Peter,  to  whose  sapient  heart 
High  Heaven  his  secrets  opens,  tells  and  shews, 
Your  messengers  direct  can  to  that  part, 
Where  of  the  prince  they  shall  hear  certain  news, 
And  learn  the  way,  the  manner,  and  the  art 
To  bring  him  back  to  these  thy  warlike  crews, 
That  all  thy  soldiers,  wandered  and  misgone, 
Heaven  may  unite  again  and  join  in  one. 

"  But  this  conclusion  shall  my  speeches  end : 
Know  that  his  blood  shall  mixed  be  with  thine, 
Whence  barons  bold  and  worthies  shall  descend, 
That  many  great  exploits  shall  bring  to  fine." 
This  said,  he  vanished  from  his  sleeping  friend, 
Like  smoke  in  wind,  or  mist  in  Titan's  shine; 
Sleep  fled  likewise,  and  in  his  troubled  thought, 
With  wonder,  pleasure;  joy,  with  marvel  fought. 

The  duke  looked  up,  and  saw  the  azure  sky 
With  argent  beams  of  silver  morning  spread, 
And  started  up,  for  praise  and  virtue  lie 
In  toil  and  travel,  sin  and  shame  in  bed: 
His  arms  he  took,  his  sword  girt  to  his  thigh, 
To  his  pavilion  all  his  lords  them  sped, 
And  there  in  council  grave  the  princes  sit, 
For  strength  by  wisdom,  war  is  ruled  by  wit. 

Lord  Guelpho  there,  within  whose  gentle  breast 

Heaven  had  infused  that  new  and  sudden  thought, 

His  pleasing  words  thus  to  the  duke  addressed: 

"  Good  prince,  mild,  though  unasked,  kind,  unbesought 

Oh  let  thy  mercy  grant  my  just  request, 

Pardon  this  fault  by  rage  not  malice  wrought; 

For  great  offence,  I  grant,  so  late  commit, 

My  suit  too  hasty  is,  perchance  unfit. 


288  TASSO 

But  since  to  Godfrey  meek  benign  and  kind, 

For  Prince  Rinaldo  bold,  I  humbly  sue, 

And  that  the  suitor's  self  is  not  behind 

Thy  greatest  friends  in  state  or  friendship  true; 

I  trust  I  shall  thy  grace  and  mercy  find 

Acceptable  to  me  and  all  this  crew; 

Oh  call  him  home,  this  trespass  to  amend, 
He  shall  his  blood  in  Godfrey's  service  spend. 

"  And  if  not  he,  who  else  dares  undertake 

Of  this  enchanted  wood  to  cut  one  tree? 

Gainst  death  and  danger  who  dares  battle  make, 

With  so  bold  face,  so  fearless  heart  as  he? 

Beat  down  these  walls,  these  gates  in  pieces  break, 

Leap  o'er  these  rampires  high,  thou  shalt  him  see, 

Restore  therefore  to  this  desirous  band 

Their  wish,  their  hope,  their  strength,  their  shield,  their  hand 

"  To  me  my  nephew,  to  thyself  restore 
A  trusty  help,  when  strength  of  hand  thou  needs, 
In  idleness  let  him  consume  no  more, 
Recall  him  to  his  noble  acts  and  deeds ! 
Known  be  his  worth  as  was  his  strength  of  yore 
Wher'er  thy  standard  broad  her  cross  outspreads, 
Oh,  let  his  fame  and  praise  spread  far  and  wide, 
Be  thou  his  lord,  his  teacher  and  his  guide !  " 

Thus  he  entreated,  and  the  rest  approve 

His  words,  with  friendly  murmurs  whispered  low. 

Godfrey  as  though  their  suit  his  mind  did  move 

To  that  whereon  he  never  thought  till  now, 

"  How  can  my  heart,"  quoth  he,  "  if  you  I  love, 

To  your  request  and  suit  but  bend  and  bow? 

Let  rigor  go,  that  right  and  justice  be 

Wherein  you  all  consent  and  all  agree. 

"  Rinaldo  shall  return ;  let  him  restrain 
Henceforth  his  headstrong  wrath  and  hasty  ire, 
And  with  his  hardy  deeds  let  him  take  pain 
To  correspond  your  hope  and  my  desire : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  289 

Guelpho,  thou  must  call  home  the  knight  again, 
See  that  with  speed  he  to  these  tents  retire, 
The  messengers  appoint  as  likes  thy  mind, 
And  teach  them  where  they  should  the  young  man  find." 

Up  start  the  Dane  that  bare  Prince  Sweno's  brand, 
"  I  will,"  quoth  he,  "  that  message  undertake, 
I  will  refuse  no  pains  by  sea  or  land, 
To  give  the  knight  this  sword,  kept  for  his  sake." 
This  man  was  bold  of  courage,  strong  of  hand, 
Guelpho  was  glad  he  did  the  proffer  make: 

"  Thou  shalt,"  quoth  he,  "  Ubaldo  shalt  thou  have 
To  go  with  thee,  a  knight,  stout,  wise,  and  grave." 

Ubaldo  in  hts  youth  had  known  and  seen 
The  fashions  strange  of  many  an  uncouth  land, 
And  travelled  over  all  the  realms  between 
The  Arctic  circle  and  hot  Meroe's  strand, 
And  as  a  man  whose  wit  his  guide  had  been, 
Their  customs  use  he  could,  tongues  understand, 
Forthy  when  spent  his  youthful  seasons  were 
Lord  Guelpho  entertained  and  held  him  dear. 

To  these  committed  was  the  charge  and  care 
To  find  and  bring  again  the  champion  bold, 
Guelpho  commands  them  to  the  fort  repair, 
Where  Boemond  doth  his  seat  and  sceptre  hold, 
For  public  fame  said  that  Bertoldo's  heir 
There  lived,  there  dwelt,  there  stayed ;  the  hermit  old, 
That  knew  they  were  misled  by  false  report, 
Among  them  came,  and  parleyed  in  this  sort: 

"  Sir  knights,"  quoth  he,  "  if  you  intend  to  ride, 
And  follow  each  report  fond  people  say, 
You  follow  but  a  rash  and  truthless  guide 
That  leads  vain  men  amiss  and  makes  them  stray; 
Near  Ascalon  go  to  the  salt  seaside, 
Where  a  swift  brook  falls  in  with  hideous  sway, 
An  aged  sire,  our  friend,  there  shall  you  find, 
AH  what  he  saith,  that  do,  that  keep  in  mind. 


290  TASSO 

"  Of  this  great  voyage  which  you  undertake, 
Much  by  his  skill,  and  much  by  mine  advise 
Hath  he  foreknown,  and  welcome  for  my  sake 
You  both  shall  be,  the  man  is  kind  and  wise." 
Instructed  thus  no  further  question  make 
The  twain  elected  for  this  enterprise, 
But  humbly  yielded  to  obey  his  word, 
For  what  the  hermit  said,  that  said  the  Lord. 

They  took  their  leave,  and  on  their  journey  went, 
Their  will  could  brook  no  stay,  their  zeal,  no  let; 
To  Ascalon  their  voyage  straight  they  bent, 
Whose  broken  shores  with  brackish  waves  are  wet, 
And  there  they  heard  how  gainst  the  cliffs,  besprent 
With  bitter  foam,  the  roaring  surges  bet, 

A  tumbling  brook  their  passage  stopped  and  stayed, 
Which  late-fall'n  rain  had  proud  and  puissant  made, 

So  proud  that  over  all  his  banks  he  grew, 
And  through  the  fields  ran  swift  as  shaft  from  bow, 
While  here  they  stopped  and  stood,  before  them  drew 
An  aged  sire,  grave  and  benign  in  show, 
Crowned  with  a  beechen  garland  gathered  new, 
Clad  in  a  linen  robe  that  raught  down  low, 
In  his  right  hand  a  rod,  and  on  the  flood 
Against  the  stream  he  marched,  and  dry  shod  yode. 

As  on  the  Rhene,  when  winter's  freezing  cold 
Congeals  the  streams  to  thick  and  hardened  glass, 
The  beauties  fair  of  shepherds'  daughters  bold 
With  wanton  windlays  run,  turn,  play  and  pass; 
So  on  this  river  passed  the  wizard  old, 
Although  unfrozen  soft  and  swift  it  was, 

And  thither  stalked  where  the  warriors  stayed, 
To  whom,  their  greetings  done,  he  spoke  and  said: 

"  Great  pains,  great  travel,  lords,  you  have  begun, 
And  of  a  cunning  guide  great  need  you  stand, 
Far  off,  alas!  is  great  Bertoldo's  son, 
Imprisoned  in  a  waste  and  desert  land, 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  291 

What  soil  remains  by  which  you  must  not  run, 
What  promontory,  rock,  sea,  shore  or  sand 
Your  search  must  stretch  before  the  prince  be  found, 
Beyond  our  world,  beyond  our  half  of  ground! 

"  But  yet  vouchsafe  to  see  my  cell  I  pray, 
In  hidden  caves  and  vaults  though  builded  low, 
Great  wonders  there,  strange  things  I  will  bewray, 
Things  good  for  you  to  hear,  and  fit  to  know : " 
This  said,  he  bids  the  river  make  them  way, 
The  flood  retired,  and  backward  gan  to  flow, 
And  here  and  there  two  crystal  mountains  rise, 
So  fled  the  Red  Sea  once,  and  Jordan  thrice. 

He  took  their  hands,  and  led  them  headlong  down 
Under  the  flood,  through  vast  and  hollow  deeps, 
Such  light  they  had  as  when  through  shadows  brown 
Of  thickest  deserts  feeble  Cynthia  peeps, 
Their  spacious  caves  they  saw  all  overflown, 
There  all  his  waters  pure  great  Neptune  keeps, 
And  thence  to  moisten  all  the  earth  he  brings 
Seas,  rivers,  floods,  lakes,  fountains,  wells  and  springs: 

Whence  Ganges,  Indus,  Volga,  Ister,  Po, 
Whence  Euphrates,  whence  Tigris'  spring  they  view, 
Whence  Tanais,  whence  Nilus  comes  also, 
Although  his  head  till  then  no  creature  knew, 
But  under  these  a  wealthy  stream  doth  go, 
That  sulphur  yields  and  ore,  rich,  quick  and  new, 
Which  the  sunbeams  doth  polish,  purge  and  fine, 
And  makes  it  silver  pure,  and  gold  divine. 

And  all  his  banks  the  rich  and  wealthy  stream 
Hath  fair  beset  with  pearl  and  precious  stone 
Like  stars  in  sky  or  lamps  on  stage  that  seem, 
The  darkness  there  was  day,  the  night  was  gone, 
There  sparkled,  clothed  in  his  azure-beam, 
The  heavenly  sapphire,  there  the  jacinth  shone, 
The  carbuncle  there  flamed,  the  diamond  sheen, 
.There  glistered  bright,  there  smiled  the  emerald  green. 

Classics.     Vol.   35 — N 


29* 


TASSO 

Amazed  the  knights  amid  these  wonders  passed, 
And  fixed  so  deep  the  marvels  in  their  thought, 
That  not  one  word  they  uttered,  till  at  last 
Ubaldo  spake,  and  thus  his  guide  besought: 
"  O  father,  tell  me  by  what  skill  thou  hast 
These  wonders  done?  and  to  what  place  us  brought? 
For  well  I  know  not  if  I  wake  or  sleep, 
My  heart  is  drowned  in  such  amazement  deep." 

"  You  are  within  the  hollow  womb,"  quoth  he, 
"  Of  fertile  earth,  the  nurse  of  all  things  made, 
And  but  you  brought  and  guided  are  by  me, 
Her  sacred  entrails  could  no  wight  invade ; 
My  palace  shortly  shall  you  splendent  see, 
With  glorious  light,  though  built  in  night  and  shade. 
A  Pagan  was  I  born,  but  yet  the  Lord 
To  grace,  by  baptism,  hath  my  soul  restored. 

"  Nor  yet  by  help  of  devil,  or  aid  from  hell, 
I  do  this  uncouth  work  and  wondrous  feat, 
The  Lord  forbid  I  use  or  charm  or  spell 
To  raise  foul  Dis  from  his  infernal  seat: 
But  of  all  herbs,  of  every  spring  and  well, 
The  hidden  power  I  know  and  virtue  great, 
And  all  that  kind  hath  hid  from  mortal  sight, 
And  all  the  stars,  their  motions,  and  their  might 

"  For  in  these  caves  I  dwell  not  buried  still 

From  sight  of  Heaven,  but  often  I  resort 

To  tops  of  Lebanon  or  Carmel  hill, 

And  there  in  liquid  air  myself  disport, 

There  Mars  and  Venus  I  behold  at  will 

As  bare  as  erst  when  Vulcan  took  them  short, 
And  how  the  rest  roll,  glide  and  move,  I  see, 
How  their  aspects  benign  or  froward  be. 

"  And  underneath  my  feet  the  clouds  I  view, 

Now  thick,  now  thin,  now  bright  with  Iris'  bow, 

The  frost  and  snow,  the  rain,  the  hail,  the  dew, 

The  winds,  from  whence  they  come  and  whence  they  blow. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  393 

How  Jove  his  thunder  makes  and  lightning  new, 
How  with  the  bolt  he  strikes  the  earth  below, 
How  comate,  crinite,  caudate  stars  are  framed 
I  knew ;  my  skill  with  pride  my  heart  inflamed. 

"  So  learned,  cunning,  wise,  myself  I  thought, 
That  I  supposed  my  wit  so  high  might  climb 
To  know  all  things  that  God  had  framed  or  wrought, 
Fire,  air,  sea,  earth,  man,  beast,  sprite,  place  and  time ; 
But  when  your  hermit  me  to  baptism  brought, 
And  from  my  soul  had  washed  the  sin  and  crime, 

Then  I  perceived  my  sight  was  blindness  still, 

My  wit  was  folly,  ignorance  my  skill. 

"  Then  saw  I,  that  like  owls  in  shining  sun, 
So  gainst  the  beams  of  truth  our  souls  are  blind, 
And  at  myself  to  smile  I  then  begun, 
And  at  my  heart,  puffed  up  with  folly's  wind, 
Yet  still  these  arts,  as  I  before  had  done, 
I  practised,  such  was  the  hermit's  mind : 
Thus  hath  he  changed  my  thoughts,  my  heart,  my  will, 
And  rules  mine  art,  my  knowledge,  and  my  skill. 

"  In  him  I  rest,  on  him  my  thoughts  depend, 
My  lord,  my  teacher,  and  my  guide  is  he, 
This  noble  work  he  strives  to  bring  to  end, 
He  is  the  architect,  the  workmen  we, 
The  hardy  youth  home  to  this  camp  to  send 
From  prison  strong,  my  care,  my  charge  shall  be; 
So  He  commands,  and  me  ere  this  foretold 
Your  coming  oft,  to  seek  the  champion  bold." 

While  this  he  said,  he  brought  the  champions  twain 
Down  to  a  vault,  wherein  he  dwells  and  lies, 
It  was  a  cave,  high,  wide,  large,  ample,  plain, 
With  goodly  rooms,  halls,  chambers,  galleries, 
All  what  is  bred  in  rich  and  precious  vein 
Of  wealthy  earth,  and  hid  from  mortal  eyes, 
There  shines,  and  fair  adorned  was  every  part 
Writh  riches  grown  by  kind,  not  framed  by  art : 


294  TASSO 

An  hundred  grooms,  quick,  diligent  and  neat, 
Attendance  gave  about  these  strangers  bold, 
Against  the  wall  there  stood  a  cupboard  great 
Of  massive  plate,  of  silver,  crystal,  gold. 
But  when  with  precious  wines  and  costly  meat 
They  filled  were,  thus  spake  the  wizard  old : 

"  Now  fits  the  time,  sir  knights,  I  tell  and  show 
What  you  desire  to  hear,  and  long  to  know. 

"  Armida's  craft,  her  sleight  and  hidden  guile 
You  partly  wot,  her  acts  and  arts  untrue, 
How  to  your  camp  she  came,  and  by  what  wile 
The  greatest  lords  and  princes  thence  she  drew; 
You  know  she  turned  them  first  to  monsters  vile, 
And  kept  them  since  closed  up  in  secret  mew, 
Lastly,  to  Gaza-ward  in  bonds  them  sent, 
Whom  young  Rinaldo  rescued  as  they  went. 

"  What  chanced  since  I  will  at  large  declare, 
To  you  unknown,  a  story  strange  and  true. 
When  first  her  prey,  got  with  such  pain  and  care, 
Escaped  and  gone  the  witch  perceived  and  knew, 
Her  hands  she  wrung  for  grief,  her  clothes  she  tare, 
And  full  of  woe  these  heavy  words  outthrew: 
'  Alas !  my  knights  are  slain,  my  prisoners  free, 
Yet  of  that  conquest  never  boast  shall  he, 

"  '  He  in  their  place  shall  serve  me,  and  sustain 
Their  plagues,  their  torments  suffer,  sorrows  bear, 
And  they  his  absence  shall  lament  in  vain, 
And  wail  his  loss  and  theirs  with  many  a  tear : ' 
Thus  talking  to  herself  she  did  ordain 
A  false  and  wicked  guile,  as  you  shall  hear; 
Thither  she  hasted  where  the  valiant  knight 
Had  overcome  and  slain  her  men  in  fight. 

"  Rinaldo  there  had  doft  and  left  his  own, 
And  on  his  back  a  Pagan's  harness  tied, 
Perchance  he  deemed  so  to  pass  unknown, 
And  in  those  arms  less  noted  false  to  ride. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  995 

A  headless  corse  in  fight  late  overthrown, 

The  witch  in  his  forsaken  arms  did  hide, 
And  by  a  brook  exposed  it  on  the  sand 
Whither  she  wished  would  come  a  Christian  band: 

"  Their  coming  might  the  dame  foreknow  right  well, 
For  secret  spies  she  sent  forth  thousand  ways, 
Which  every  day  news  from  the  camp  might  tell, 
Who  parted  thence,  booties  to  search  or  preys: 
Beside,  the  sprites  conjured  by  sacred  spell, 
All  what  she  asks  or  doubts,  reveals  and  says, 
The  body  therefore  placed  she  in  that  part 
That  furthered  best  her  sleight,  her  craft,  and  art ; 

"  And  near  the  corpse  a  varlet  false  and  sly 
She  left,  attired  in  shepherd's  homely  weed, 
And  taught  him  how  to  counterfeit  and  lie 
As  time  required,  and  he  performed  the  deed; 
With  him  your  soldiers  spoke,  of  jealousy 
And  false  suspect  mongst  them  he  strewed  the  seed, 
That  since  brought  forth  the  fruit  of  strife  and  jar, 
Of  civil  brawls,  contention,  discord,  war. 

"And  as  she  wished  so  the  soldiers  thought 
By  Godfrey's  practice  that  the  prince  was  slain, 
Yet  vanished  that  suspicion  false  to  naught 
When  truth  spread  forth  her  silver  wings  again: 
Her  false  devices  thus  Armida  wrought, 
This  was  her  first  deceit,  her  foremost  train ; 
What  next  she  practised,  shall  you  hear  me  tell, 
Against  our  knight,  and  what  thereof  befell. 

"  Armida  hunted  him  through  wood  and  plain, 

Till  on  Orontes'  flowery  banks  he  stayed, 

There,  where  the  stream  did  part  and  meet  again 

And  in  the  midst  a  gentle  island  made, 

A  pillar  fair  was  pight  beside  the  main, 

Near  which  a  little  frigate  floating  laid, 

The  marble  white  the  prince  did  long  behold, 
And  this  inscription  read,  there  writ  in  gold: 


296  TASSO 

" '  Whoso  thou  art  whom  will  or  chance  doth  bring 
With  happy  steps  to  flood  Orontes'  sides, 
Know  that  the  world  hath  not  so  strange  a  thing, 
Twixt  east  and  west,  as  this  small  island  hides, 
Then  pass  and  see,  without  more  tarrying.' 
The  hasty  youth  to  pass  the  stream  provides, 
And  for  the  cogg  was  narrow,  small  and  strait, 
Alone  he  rowed,  and  bade  his  squires  there  wait; 

"  Landed  he  stalks  about,  yet  naught  he  sees 
But  verdant  groves,  sweet  shades,  and  mossy  rocks 
With  caves  and  fountains,  flowers,  herbs  and  trees, 
So  that  the  words  he  read  he  takes  for  mocks : 
But  that  green  isle  was  sweet  at  all  degrees, 
Wherewith  enticed  down  sits  he  and  unlocks 
His  closed  helm,  and  bares  his  visage  fair, 
To  take  sweet  breath  from  cool  and  gentle  air. 

"  A  rumbling  sound  amid  the  waters  deep 
Meanwhile  he  heard,  and  thither  turned  his  sight, 
And  tumbling  in  the  troubled  stream  took  keep 
How  the  strong  waves  together  rush  and  fight, 
Whence  first  he  saw,  with  golden  tresses,  peep 
The  rising  visage  of  a  virgin  bright, 

And  then  her  neck,  her  breasts,  and  all,  as  low 
As  he  for  shame  could  see,  or  she  could  show. 

"  So  in  the  twilight  does  sometimes  appear 
A  nymph,  a  goddess,  or  a  fairy  queen, 
And  though  no  siren  but  a  sprite  this  were 
Yet  by  her  beauty  seemed  it  she  had  been 
One  of  those  sisters  false  which  haunted  near 
The  Tyrrhene  shores  and  kept  those  waters  sheen, 
Like  theirs  her  face,  her  voice  was,  and  her  sound, 
And  thus  she  sung,  and  pleased  both  skies  and  ground 

" '  Ye  happy  youths,  who  April  fresh  and  May 

Attire  in  flowering  green  of  lusty  age, 

For  glory  vain,  or  virtue's  idle  ray, 

Do  not  your  tender  limbs  to  toil  engage; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  297 

In  calm  streams,  fishes;  birds,  in  sunshine  play, 

Who  followeth  pleasure  he  is  only  sage, 
So  nature  saith,  yet  gainst  her  sacred  will 
Why  still  rebel  you,  and  why  strive  you  still? 

" '  O  fools  who  youth  possess,  yet  scorn  the  same, 
A  precious,  but  a  short-abiding  treasure, 
Virtue  itself  is  but  an  idle  name, 
Prized  by  the  world  'bove  reason  all  and  measure, 
And  honor,  glory,  praise,  renown  and  fame, 
That  men's  proud  hearts  bewitch  with  tickling  pleasure, 
An  echo  is,  a  shade,  a  dream,  a  flower, 
With  each  wind  blasted,  spoiled  with  every  shower. 

" '  But  let  your  happy  souls  in  joy  possess 
The  ivory  castles  of  your  bodies  fair, 
Your  passed  harms  salve  with  forgetfulness, 
Haste  not  your  coming  evils  with  thought  and  care, 
Regard  no  blazing  star  with  burning  tress, 
Nor  storm,  nor  threatening  sky,  nor  thundering  air, 
This  wisdom  is,  good  life,  and  worldly  bliss, 
Kind  teacheth  us,  nature  commands  us  this.' 

"  Thus  sung  the  spirit  false,  and  stealing  sleep, 
To  which  her  tunes  enticed  his  heavy  eyes, 
By  step  and  step  did  on  his  senses  creep, 
Still  every  limb  therein  unmoved  lies, 
Not  thunders  loud  could  from  this  slumber  deep, 
Of  quiet  death  true  image,  make  him  rise: 
Then  from  her  ambush  forth  Armida  start, 
Swearing  revenge,  and  threatening  torments  smart. 

"  But  when  she  looked  on  his  face  awhile, 
And  saw  how  sweet  he  breathed,  how  still  he  lay, 
How  his  fair  eyes  though  closed  seemed  to  smile, 
At  first  she  stayed,  astound  with  great  dismay, 
Then  sat  her  down,  so  love  can  art  beguile, 
And  as  she  sat  and  looked,  fled  fast  away 

Her  wrath,  that  on  his  forehead  gazed  the  maid, 

As  in  his  spring  Narcissus  tooting  laid ; 


TASSO 

"  And  with  a  veil  she  wiped  now  and  then 
From  his  fair  cheeks  the  globes  of  silver  sweat, 
And  cool  air  gathered  with  a  trembling  fan, 
To  mitigate  the  rage  of  melting  heat, 
Thus,  who  would  think  it,  his  hot  eye-glance  can 
Of  that  cold  frost  dissolve  the  hardness  great 

Which  late  congealed  the  heart  of  that  fair  dame, 

Who  late  a  foe,  a  lover  now  became. 

"  Of  woodbines,  lilies,  and  of  roses  sweet, 
Which  proudly  flowered  through  that  wanton  plain, 
All  platted  fast,  well  knit,  and  joined  meet, 
She  framed  a  soft  but  surely  holding  chain, 
Wherewith  she  bound  his  neck  his  hands  and  feet ; 
Thus  bound,  thus  taken,  did  the  prince  remain, 
And  in  a  coach  which  two  old  dragons  drew, 
She  laid  the  sleeping  knight,  and  thence  she  flew : 

"  Nor  turned  she  to  Damascus'  kingdoms  large, 
Nor  to  the  fort  built  in  Asphalte's  lake, 
But  jealous  of  her  dear  and  precious  charge, 
And  of  her  love  ashamed,  the  way  did  take, 
To  the  wide  ocean  whither  skiff  or  barge 
From  us  doth  seld  or  never  voyage  make, 
And  there  to  frolic  with  her  love  awhile, 
She  chose  a  waste,  a  sole  and  desert  isle. 

"  An  isle  that  with  her  fellows  bears  the  name 
Of  Fortunate,  for  temperate  air  and  mould, 
There  in  a  mountain  high  alight  the  dame, 
A  hill  obscured  with  shades  of  forests  old, 
Upon  whose  sides  the  witch  by  art  did  frame 
Continual  snow,  sharp  frost  and  winter  cold, 

But  on  the  top,  fresh,  pleasant,  sweet  and  green, 
Beside  a  lake  a  palace  built  this  queen. 

"  There  in  perpetual  sweet  and  flowering  spring, 
She  lives  at  ease,  and  joys  her  lord  at  will ; 
The  hardy  youth  from  this  strange  prison  bring 
Your  valors  must,  directed  by  my  skill, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  299 

And  overcome  each  monster  and  each  thing, 
That  guards  the  palace  or  that  keeps  the  hill, 
Nor  shall  you  want  a  guide,  or  engines  fit, 
To  bring  you  to  the  mount,  or  conquer  it. 

"  Beside  the  stream,  yparted  shall  you  find 
A  dame,  in  visage  young,  but  old  in  years, 
Her  curled  locks  about  her  front  are  twined, 
A  party-colored  robe  of  silk  she  wears : 
This  shall  conduct  you  swift  as  air  or  wind, 
Or  that  flit  bird  that  Jove's  hot  weapon  bears, 

A  faithful  pilot,  cunning,  trusty,  sure, 

As  Tiphys  was,  or  skilful  Palinure. 

"At  the  hill's  foot,  whereon  the  witch  doth  dwell, 
The  serpents  hiss,  and  cast  their  poison  vilde, 
The  ugly  boars  do  rear  their  bristles  fell, 
There  gape  the  bears,  and  roar  the  lions  wild ; 
But  yet  a  rod  I  have  can  easily  quell 
Their  rage  and  wrath,  and  make  them  meek  and  mild. 
Yet  on  the  top  and  height  of  all  the  hill, 
The  greatest  danger  lies,  and  greatest  ill : 

"  There  welleth  out  a  fair,  clear,  bubbling  spring, 
Whose  waters  pure  the  thirsty  guests  entice, 
But  in  those  liquors  cold  the  secret  sting 
Of  strange  and  deadly  poison  closed  lies, 
One  sup  thereof  the  drinker's  heart  doth  bring 
To  sudden  joy,  whence  laughter  vain  doth  rise, 
Nor  that  strange  merriment  once  stops  or  stays, 
Till,  with  his  laughter's  end,  he  end  his  days : 

"  Then  from  those  deadly,  wicked  streams  refrain 
Your  thirsty  lips,  despise  the  dainty  cheer 
You  find  exposed  upon  the  grassy  plain, 
Nor  those  false  damsels  once  vouchsafe  to  hear, 
That  in  melodious  tunes  their  voices  strain, 
Whose  faces  lovely,  smiling,  sweet,  appear; 

But  you  their  looks,  their  voice,  their  songs  despise, 

And  enter  fair  Armida's  paradise. 


300  TASSO 

"  The  house  is  builded  like  a  maze  within, 
With  turning  stairs,  false  doors  and  winding  ways, 
The  shape  whereof  plotted  in  vellum  thin 
I  will  you  give,  that  all  those  sleights  bewrays, 
In  midst  a  garden  lies,  where  many  a  gin 
And  net  to  catch  frail  hearts,  false  Cupid  lays ; 
There  in  the  verdure  of  the  arbors  green, 
With  your  brave  champion  lies  the  wanton  queen. 

"  But  when  she  haply  riseth  from  the  knight, 
And  hath  withdrawn  her  presence  from  the  place, 
Then  take  a  shield  I  have  of  diamonds  bright, 
And  hold  the  same  before  the  young  man's  face, 
That  he  may  glass  therein  his  garments  light, 
And  wanton  soft  attire,  and  view  his  case, 

That  with  the  sight  shame  and  disdain  may  move 
His  heart  to  leave  that  base  and  servile  love. 

"  Now  resteth  naught  that  needful  is  to  tell, 
But  that  you  go  secure,  safe,  sure  and  bold, 
Unseen  the  palace  may  you  enter  well, 
And  pass  the  dangers  all  I  have  foretold, 
For  neither  art,  nor  charm,  nor  magic  spell, 
Can  stop  your  passage  or  your  steps  withhold, 
Nor  shall  Armida,  so  you  guarded  be, 
Your  coming  aught  foreknow  or  once  foresee : 

"  And  eke  as  safe  from  that  enchanted  fort 
You  shall  return  and  scape  unhurt  away ; 
But  now  the  time  doth  us  to  rest  exhort, 
And  you  must  rise  by  peep  of  springing  day." 
This  said,  he  led  them  through  a  narrow  port, 
Into  a  lodging  fair  wherein  they  lay, 
There  glad  and  full  of  thoughts  he  left  his  guests, 
And  in  his  wonted  bed  the  old  man  rests. 


FIFTEENTH   BOOK 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

The  well-instructed  knights  forsake  their  host, 
And  come  where  their  strange  bark  in  harbor  lay, 
And  setting  sail  behold  on  Egypt's  coast 
The  monarch's  ships  and  armies  in  array: 
Their  wind  and  pilot  good,  the  seas  in  post 
They  pass,  and  of  long  journeys  make  short  way: 
The  far-sought  isle  they  find;  Armida's  charms 
They  scorn,  they  shun  her  sleights,  despise  her  arms. 

THE  rosy-fingered  morn  with  gladsome  ray 
Rose  to  her  task  from  old  Tithonus'  lap 
When  their  grave  host  came  where  the  warriors  lay, 
And  with  him  brought  the  shield,  the  rod,  the  map. 
"  Arise,"  quoth  he,  "  ere  lately  broken  day, 
In  his  bright  arms  the  round  world  fold  or  wrap, 
All  what  I  promised,  here  I  have  them  brought, 
Enough  to  bring  Armida's  charms  to  naught." 

They  started  up,  and  every  tender  limb 
In  sturdy  steel  and  stubborn  plate  they  dight, 
Before  the  old  man  stalked,  they  followed  him 
Through  gloomy  shades  of  sad  and  sable  night, 
Through  vaults  obscure  again  and  entries  dim, 
The  way  they  came  their  steps  remeasured  right ; 
But  at  the  flood  arrived,  "  Farewell,"  quoth  he, 
"  Good  luck  your  aid,  your  guide  good  fortune  be." 

The  flood  received  them  in  his  bottom  low 
And  lift  them  up  above  his  billows  thin ; 
The  waters  so  cast  up  a  branch  or  bough, 
By  violence  first  plunged  and  dived  therein : 
But  when  upon  the  shore  the  waves  them  throw, 
The  knights  for  their  fair  guide  to  look  begin, 
And  gazing  round  a  little  bark  they  spied, 
Wherein  a  damsel  sate  the  stern  to  guide. 
301 


302 


TASSO 

Upon  her  front  her  locks  were  curled  new, 
Her  eyes  were  courteous,  full  of  peace  and  love; 
In  look  a  saint,  an  angel  bright  in  show, 
So  in  her  visage  grace  and  virtue  strove; 
Her  robe  seemed  sometimes  red  and  sometimes  blue, 
And  changed  still  as  she  did  stir  or  move ; 
That  look  how  oft  man's  eye  beheld  the  same 
So  oft  the  colors  changed,  went  and  came. 

The  feathers  so,  that  tender,  soft,  and  plain, 
About  the  dove's  smooth  neck  close  couched  been, 
Do  in  one  color  never  long  remain, 
But  change  their  hue  gainst  glimpse  of  Phoebus'  sheen ; 
And  now  of  rubies  bright  a  vermeil  chain, 
Now  make  a  carknet  rich  of  emeralds  green ; 
Now  mingle  both,  now  alter,  turn  and  change 
To  thousand  colors,  rich,  pure,  fair,  and  strange. 

"  Enter  this  boat,  you  happy  men,"  she  says, 
"  Wherein  through  raging  waves  secure  I  ride, 
To  which  all  tempest,  storm,  and  wind  obeys, 
All  burdens  light,  benign  is  stream  and  tide : 
My  lord,  that  rules  your  journeys  and  your  ways, 
Hath  sent  me  here,  your  servant  and  your  guide." 
This  said,  her  shallop  drove  she  gainst  the  sand, 
And  anchor  cast  amid  the  steadfast  land. 

They  entered  in,  her  anchors  she  upwound, 
And  launched  forth  to  sea  her  pinnace  flit, 
Spread  to  the  wind  her  sails  she  broad  unbound, 
And  at  the  helm  sat  down  to  govern  it, 
Swelled  the  flood  that  all  his  banks  he  drowned 
To  bear  the  greatest  ship  of  burthen  fit ; 

Yet  was  her  fatigue  little,  swift  and  light, 

That  at  his  lowest  ebb  bear  it  he  might. 

Swifter  than  thought  the  friendly  wind  forth  bore 
The  sliding  boat  upon  the  rolling  wave, 
With  curded  foam  and  froth  the  billows  hoar 
About  the  cable  murmur  roar  and  rave; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  303 

'At  last  they  came  where  all  his  watery  store 

The  flood  in  one  deep  channel  did  engrave, 
And  forth  to  greedy  seas  his  streams  he  sent, 
And  so  his  waves,  his  name,  himself  he  spent. 

The  wondrous  boat  scant  touched  the  troubled  main 
But  all  the  sea  still,  hushed  and  quiet  was, 
Vanished  the  clouds,  ceased  the  wind  and  rain, 
The  tempests  threatened  overblow  and  pass, 
A  gentle  breathing  air  made  even  and  plain 
The  azure  face  of  heaven's  smooth  looking-glass, 
And  heaven  itself  smiled  from  the  skies  above 
With  a  calm  clearness  on  the  earth  his  love. 

By  Ascalon  they  sailed,  and  forth  drived, 

Toward  the  west  their  speedy  course  they  frame, 

In  sight  of  Gaza  till  the  bark  arrived, 

A  little  port  when  first  it  took  that  name ; 

But  since,  by  others'  loss  so  well  it  thrived 

A  city  great  and  rich  that  it  became, 

And  there  the  shores  and  borders  of  the  land 
They  found  as  full  of  armed  men  as  sand. 

The  passengers  to  landward  turned  their  sight, 
And  there  saw  pitched  many  a  stately  tent, 
Soldier  and  footman,  captain,  lord  and  knight, 
Between  the  shore  and  city,  came  and  went : 
Huge  elephants,  strong  camels,  coursers  light, 
With  horned  hoofs  the  sandy  ways  outrent, 
And  in  the  haven  many  a  ship  and  boat, 
With  mighty  anchors  fastened,  swim  and  float; 

Some  spread  their  sails,  some  with  strong  oars  sweep 
The  waters  smooth,  and  brush  the  buxom  wave, 
Their  breasts  in  sunder  cleave  the  yielding  deep, 
The  broken  seas  for  anger  foam  and  rave, 
When  thus  their  guide  began,  "  Sir  knights,  take  keep 
How  all  these  shores  are  spread  with  squadrons  brave 
And  troops  of  hardy  knights,  yet  on  these  sands 
The  monarch  scant  hath  gathered  half  his  bands. 


3o4  TASSO 

"  Of  Egypt  only  these  the  forces  are, 
And  aid  from  other  lands  they  here  attend, 
For  twixt  the  noon-day  sun  and  morning  star, 
All  realms  at  his  command  do  bow  and  bend; 
So  that  I  trust  we  shall  return  from  far, 
And  bring  our  journey  long  to  wished  end, 
Before  this  king  or  his  lieutenant  shall 
These  armies  bring  to  Zion's  conquered  wall." 

While  thus  she  said,  as  soaring  eagles  fly 
Mongst  other  birds  securely  through  the  air, 
And  mounting  up  behold  with  wakeful  eye, 
The  radiant  beams  of  old  Hyperion's  hair, 
Her  gondola  so  passed  swiftly  by 
Twixt  ship  and  ship,  withouten  fear  or  care 
Who  should  her  follow,  trouble,  stop  or  stay, 
And  forth  to  sea  made  lucky  speed  and  way. 

Themselves  fornenst  old  Raffia's  town  they  fand, 
A  town  that  first  to  sailors  doth  appear 
As  they  from  Syria  pass  to  Egypt  land : 
The  sterile  coasts  of  barren  Rhinocere 
They  passed,  and  seas  where  Casius  hill  doth  stand 
That  with  his  trees  o'erspreads  the  waters  near, 
Against  whose  roots  breaketh  the  brackish  wave 
Where  Jove  his  temple,  Pompey  hath  his  grave: 

Then  Damiata  next,  where  they  behold 
How  to  the  sea  his  tribute  Nilus  pays 
By  his  seven  mouths  renowned  in  stories  old, 
And  by  an  hundred  more  ignoble  ways : 
They  pass  the  town  built  by  the  Grecian  bold, 
Of  him  called  Alexandria  till  our  days, 

And  Pharaoh's  tower  and  isle  removed  of  yore 
Far  from  the  land,  now  joined  to  the  shore : 

Both  Crete  and  Rhodes  they  left  by  north  unseen, 
And  sailed  along  the  coasts  of  Afric  lands, 
Whose  sea  towns  fair,  but  realms  more  inward  been 
All  full  of  monsters  and  of  desert  sands : 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  305 

With  her  five  cities  then  they  left  Cyrene, 
Where  that  old  temple  of  false  Hammon  stands: 
Next  Ptolemais,  and  that  sacred  wood 
Whence  spring  the  silent  streams  of  Lethe  flood. 

The  greater  Syrte,  that  sailors  often  cast 
In  peril  great  of  death  and  loss  extreme, 
They  compassed  round  about,  and  safely  passed, 
The  Cape  Judeca  and  flood  Magra's  stream ; 
Then  Tripoli,  gainst  which  is  Malta  placed, 
That  low  and  hid,  to  lurk  in  seas  doth  seem : 
The  little  Syrte  then,  and  Alzerbes  isle, 
Where  dwelt  the  folk  that  Lotos  ate  erewhile. 

Next  Tunis  on  the  crooked  shore  they  spied, 

Whose  bay  a  rock  on  either  side  defends, 

Tunis  all  towns  in  beauty,  wealth  and  pride 

Above,  as  far  as  Libya's  bounds  extends; 

Gainst  which,  from  fair  Sicilia's  fertile  side, 

His  rugged  front  great  Lilybaeum  bends. 
The  dame  there  pointed  out  where  sometime  stood 
Rome's  stately  rival  whilom,  Carthage  proud ; 

Great  Carthage  low  in  ashes  cold  doth  lie, 
Her  ruins  poor  the  herbs  in  height  scant  pass, 
So  cities  fall,  so  perish  kingdoms  high, 
Their  pride  and  pomp  lies  hid  in  sand  and  grass : 
Then  why  should  mortal  man  repine  to  die, 
Whose  life,  is  air ;  breath,  wind ;  and  body,  glass  ? 
From  thence  the  seas  next  Bisert's  walls  they  cleft, 
And  far  Sardinia  on  their  right  hand  left. 

Numidia's  mighty  plains  they  coasted  then, 

Where  wandering  shepherds  used  their  flocks  to  feed, 

Then  Bugia  and  Argier,  the  infamous  den 

Of  pirates  false,  Oran  they  left  with  speed, 

All  Tingitan  they  swiftly  overren, 

Where  elephants  and  angry  lions  breed, 

Where  now  the  realms  of  Fez  and  Maroc  be, 
Gainst  which  Granada's  shores  and  coasts  they  see. 


306  TASSO 

Now  are  they  there,  where  first  the  sea  brake  in 
By  great  Alcides'  help,  as  stories  feign, 
True  may  it  be  that  where  those  floods  begin 
It  whilom  was  a  firm  and  solid  main 
Before  the  sea  there  through  did  passage  win 
And  parted  Afric  from  the  land  of  Spain, 
Abila  hence,  thence  Calpe  great  upsprings, 
Such  power  hath  time  to  change  the  face  of  things. 

Four  times  the  sun  had  spread  his  morning  ray 
Since  first  the  dame  launched  forth  her  wondrous  barge 
And  never  yet  took  port  in  creek  or  bay, 
But  fairly  forward  bore  the  knights  her  charge ; 
Now  through  the  strait  her  jolly  ship  made  way, 
And  boldly  sailed  upon  the  ocean  large; 
But  if  the  sea  in  midst  of  earth  was  great, 
Oh  what  was  this,  wherein  earth  hath  her  seat? 

Now  deep  engulphed  in  the  mighty  flood 
They  saw  not  Gades,  nor  the  mountains  near, 
Fled  was  the  land,  and  towns  on  land  that  stood, 
Heaven  covered  sea,  sea  seemed  the  heavens  to  bear. 
"  At  last,  fair  lady,"  quoth  Ubaldo  good, 
"  That  in  this  endless  main  dost  guide  us  here, 
If  ever  man  before  here  sailed  tell, 
Or  other  lands  here  be  wherein  men  dwell." 

"  Great  Hercules,"  quoth  she,  "  when  he  had  quailed 
The  monsters  fierce  in  Afric  and  in  Spain, 
And  all  along  your  coasts  and  countries  sailed, 
Yet  durst  he  not  assay  the  ocean  main, 
Within  his  pillars  would  he  have  impaled 
The  overdaring  wit  of  mankind  vain, 

Till  Lord  Ulysses  did  those  bounders  pass, 

To  see  and  know  he  so  desirous  was. 

"  He  passed  those  pillars,  and  in  open  wave 
Of  the  broad  sea  first  his  bold  sails  untwined, 
But  yet  the  greedy  ocean  was  his  grave, 
Naught  helped  him  his  skill  gainst  tide  and  wind ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  307 

With  him  all  witness  of  his  voyage  brave 
Lies  buried  there,  no  truth  thereof  we  find, 

And  they  whom  storm  hath  forced  that  way  since, 
Are  drowned  all,  or  unreturned  from  thence : 

"  So  that  this  mighty  sea  is  yet  unsought, 
Where  thousand  isles  and  kingdoms  lie  unknown, 
Not  void  of  men  as  some  have  vainly  thought, 
But  peopled  well,  and  wonned  like  your  own; 
The  land  is  fertile  ground,  but  scant  well  wrought, 
Air  wholesome,  temperate  sun,  grass  proudly  grown." 
"  But,"  quoth  Ubaldo,  "  dame,  I  pray  thee  teach 
Of  that  hid  world,  what  be  the  laws  and  speech  ?  " 

"  As  diverse  be  their  nations,"  answered  she, 
"  Their  tongues,  their  rites,  their  laws  so  different  are ; 
Some  pray  to  beasts,  some  to  a  stone  or  tree, 
Some  to  the  earth,  the  sun,  or  morning  star ; 
Their  meats  unwholesome,  vile,  and  hateful  be, 
Some  eat  man's  flesh,  and  captives  ta'en  in  war, 
And  all  from  Calpe's  mountain  west  that  dwell, 
In  faith  profane,  in  life  are  rude  and  fell." 

"  But  will  our  gracious  God,"  the  knight  replied, 
"  That  with  his  blood  all  sinful  men  hath  bought, 
His  truth  forever  and  his  gospel  hide 
From  all  those  lands,  as  yet  unknown,  unsought  ?  " 
"  Oh  no,"  quoth  she,  "  his  name  both  far  and  wide 
Shall  there  be  known,  all  learning  thither  brought, 
Nor  shall  these  long  and  tedious  ways  forever 
Your  world  and  theirs,  their  lands,  your  kingdoms  sever. 

"  The  time  shall  come  that  sailors  shall  disdain 
To  talk  or  argue  of  Alcides'  streat, 
And  lands  and  seas  that  nameless  yet  remain, 
Shall  well  be  known,  their  boundaries,  site  and  seat, 
The  ships  encompass  shall  the  solid  main, 
As  far  as  seas  outstretch  their  waters  great, 
And  measure  all  the  world,  and  with  the  sun 
About  this  earth,  this  globe,  this  compass,  run. 


3o8  TASSO 

"  A  knight  of  Genes  shall  have  the  hardiment 

Upon  this  wondrous  voyage  first  to  wend, 

Nor  winds  nor  waves,  that  ships  in  sunder  rent, 

Nor  seas  unused,  strange  clime,  or  pool  unkenned, 

Nor  other  peril  nor  astonishment 

That  makes  frail  hearts  of  men  to  bow  and  bend, 

Within  Abilas'  strait  shall  keep  and  hold 

The  noble  spirit  of  this  sailor  bold. 

"  Thy  ship,  Columbus,  shall  her  canvas  wing 
Spread  o'er  that  world  that  yet  concealed  lies, 
That  scant  swift  fame  her  looks  shall  after  bring, 
Though  thousand  plumes  she  have,  and  thousand  eyes ; 
Let  her  of  Bacchus  and  Alcides  sing, 
Of  thee  to  future  age  let  this  suffice, 

That  of  thine  acts  she  some  forewarning  give, 
Which  shall  in  verse  and  noble  story  live." 

Thus  talking,  swift  twixt  south  and  west  they  run, 
And  sliced  out  twixt  froth  and  foam  their  way ; 
At  once  they  saw  before,  the  setting  sun ; 
Behind,  the  rising  beam  of  springing  day ; 
And  when  the  morn  her  drops  and  dews  begun 
To  scatter  broad  upon  the  flowering  lay, 
Far  off  a  hill  and  mountain  high  they  spied, 
Whose  top  the  clouds  environ,  clothe  and  hide ; 

And  drawing  near,  the  hill  at  ease  they  view, 
When  all  the  clouds  were  molten,  fallen  and  fled, 
Whose  top  pyramid-wise  did  pointed  show, 
High,  narrow,  sharp,  the  sides  yet  more  outspread, 
Thence  now  and  then  fire,  flame  and  smoke  outflew, 
As  from  that  hill,  whereunder  lies  in  bed 
Enceladus,  whence  with  imperious  sway 
Bright  fire  breaks  out  by  night,  black  smoke  by  day. 

About  the  hill  lay  other  islands  small, 

Where  other  rocks,  crags,  cliffs,  and  mountains  stood, 

The  Isles  Fortunate  these  elder  time  did  call, 

To  which  high  Heaven  they  feigned  so  kind  and  good, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  309 

And  of  his  blessings  rich  so  liberal, 
That  without  tillage  earth  gives  corn  for  food, 
And  grapes  that  swell  with  sweet  and  precious  wine 
There  without  pruning  yields  the  fertile  vine. 

The  olive  fat  there  ever  buds  and  flowers, 
The  honey-drops  from  hollow  oaks  distil, 
The  falling  brook  her  silver  streams  downpours 
With  gentle  murmur  from  their  native  hill, 
The  western  blast  tempereth  with  dews  and  showers 
The  sunny  rays,  lest  heat  the  blossoms  kill, 
The  fields  Elysian,  as  fond  heathen  sain, 
Were  there,  where  souls  of  men  in  bliss  remain. 

To  these  their  pilot  steered,  "  And  now,"  quoth  she, 
"  Your  voyage  long  to  end  is  brought  well-near, 
The  happy  Isles  of  Fortune  now  you  see, 
Of  which  great  fame,  and  little  truth,  you  hear, 
Sweet,  wholesome,  pleasant,  fertile,  fat  they  be, 
Yet  not  so  rich  as  fame  reports  they  were." 
This  said,  toward  an  island  fresh  she  bore, 
The  first  of  ten,  that  lies  next  Af ric's  shore ; 

When  Charles  thus,  "  If,  worthy  governess, 
To  our  good  speed  such  tarriance  be  no  let, 
Upon  this  isle  that  Heaven  so  fair  doth  bless, 
To  view  the  place,  on  land  awhile  us  set, 
To  know  the  folk  and  what  God  they  confess, 
And  all  whereby  man's  heart  may  knowledge  get, 
That  I  may  tell  the  wonders  therein  seen 
Another  day,  and  say,  there  have  I  been." 

She  answered  him,  "  Well  fits  this  high  desire 

Thy  noble  heart,  yet  cannot  I  consent ; 

For  Heaven's  decree,  firm,  stable,  and  entire, 

Thy  wish  repugns,  and  gainst  thy  will  is  bent, 

Nor  yet  the  time  hath  Titan's  gliding  fire 

Met  forth,  prefixed  for  this  discoverment, 
Nor  is  it  lawful  of  the  ocean  main 
That  you  the  secrets  know,  or  known  explain. 


TASSO 

"  To  you  withouten  needle,  map  or  card 
It's  given  to  pass  these  seas,  and  there  arrive 
Where  in  strong  prison  lies  your  knight  imbarred, 
And  of  her  prey  you  must  the  witch  deprive: 
If  further  to  aspire  you  be  prepared, 
In  vain  gainst  fate  and  Heaven's  decree  you  strive." 
While  thus  she  said,  the  first  seen  isle  gave  place, 
And  high  and  rough  the  second  showed  his  face. 

They  saw  how  eastward  stretched  in  order  long, 
The  happy  islands  sweetly  flowering  lay ; 
And  how  the  seas  betwixt  those  isles  enthrong, 
And  how  they  shouldered  land  from  land  away: 
In  seven  of  them  the  people  rude  among 
The  shady  trees  their  sheds  had  built  of  clay, 
The  rest  lay  waste,  unless  wild  beasts  unseen, 
Or  wanton  nymphs,  roamed  on  the  mountains  green, 

A  secret  place  they  found  in  one  of  those, 
Where  the  cleft  shore  sea  in  his  bosom  takes, 
And  'twixt  his  stretched  arms  doth  fold  and  close 
An  ample  bay,  a  rock  the  haven  makes, 
Which  to  the  main  doth  his  broad  back  oppose, 
Whereon  the  roaring  billow  cleaves  and  breaks, 
And  here  and  there  two  crags  like  turrets  high, 
Point  forth  a  port  to  all  that  sail  thereby: 

The  quiet  seas  below  lie  safe  and  still, 
The  green  wood  like  a  garland  grows  aloft, 
Sweet  caves  within,  cool  shades  and  waters  shrill, 
Where  lie  the  nymphs  on  moss  and  ivy  soft ; 
No  anchor  there  needs  hold  her  frigate  still, 
Nor  cable  twisted  sure,  though  breaking  oft : 
Into  this  desert,  silent,  quiet,  glad, 
Entered  the  dame,  and  there  her  haven  made. 

"  The  palace  proudly  built,"  quoth  she,  "  behold, 
That  sits  on  top  of  yonder  mountain's  height, 
Of  Christ's  true  faith  there  lies  the  champion  bold 
In  idleness,  love,  fancy,  folly  light ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  3u 

When  Phoebus  shall  his  rising  beams  unfold, 
Prepare  you  gainst  the  hill  to  mount  upright, 
Nor  let  this  stay  in  your  bold  hearts  breed  care, 
For,  save  that  one,  all  hours  unlucky  are ; 

"  But  yet  this  evening,  if  you  make  good  speed, 
To  that  hill's  foot  with  daylight  might  you  pass." 
Thus  said  the  dame  their  guide,  and  they  agreed, 
And  took  their  leave  and  leaped  forth  on  the  grass ; 
They  found  the  way  that  to  the  hill  doth  lead, 
And  softly  went  that  neither  tired  was, 

But  at  the  mountain's  foot  they  both  arrived, 
Before  the  sun  his  team  in  waters  dived. 

They  saw  how  from  the  crags  and  clefts  below 
His  proud  and  stately  pleasant  top  grew  out, 
And  how  his  sides  were  clad  with  frost  and  snow, 
The  height  was  green  with  herbs  and  flowerets  sout, 
Like  hairy  locks  the  trees  about  him  grow, 
The  rocks  of  ice  keep  watch  and  ward  about, 
The  tender  roses  and  the  lilies  new, 
Thus  art  can  nature  change,  and  kind  subdue. 

Within  a  thick,  a  dark  and  shady  plot, 
At  the  hill's  foot  that  night  the  warriors  dwell, 
But  when  the  sun  his  rays  bright,  shining,  hot, 
Dispread  of  golden  light  the  eternal  well, 
"  Up,  up,"  they  cried,  and  fiercely  up  they  got, 
And  climbed  boldly  gainst  the  mountain  fell ; 
But  forth  there  crept,  from  whence  I  cannot  say, 
An  ugly  serpent  which  forestalled  their  way. 

Armed  with  golden  scales  his  head  and  crest 
He  lifted  high,  his  neck  swelled  great  with  ire, 
Flamed  his  eyes,  and  hiding  with  his  breast 
All  the  broad  path,  he  poison  breathed  and  fire, 
Now  reached  he  forth  in  folds  and  forward  pressed, 
Now  would  he  back  in  rolls  and  heaps  retire, 
Thus  he  presents  himself  to  guard  the  place, 
The  knights  pressed  forward  with  assured  pace: 


3i  a  TASSO 

Charles  drew  forth  his  brand  to  strike  the  snake; 
Ubaldo  cried,  "  Stay,  my  companion  dear, 
Will  you  with  sword  or  weapon  battle  make 
Against  this  monster  that  affronts  us  here  ?  " 
This  said,  he  gan  his  charmed  rod  to  shake, 
So  that  the  serpent  durst  not  hiss  for  fear, 
But  fled,  and  dead  for  dread  fell  on  the  grass, 
And  so  the  passage  plain,  eath,  open  was. 

A  little  higher  on  the  way  they  met 
A  lion  fierce  that  hugely  roared  and  cried, 
His  crest  he  reared  high,  and  open  set 
Of  his  broad-gaping  jaws  the  furnace  wide, 
His  stern  his  back  oft  smote,  his  rage  to  whet, 
But  when  the  sacred  staff  he  once  espied 
A  trembling  fear  through  his  bold  heart  was  spread, 
His  native  wrath  was  gone,  and  swift  he  fled. 

The  hardy  couple  on  their  way  forth  wend, 
And  met  a  host  that  on  them  roar  and  gape, 
Of  savage  beasts,  tofore  unseen,  unkend, 
Differing  in  voice,  in  semblance,  and  in  shape ; 
All  monsters  which  hot  Afric  doth  forthsend, 
Twixt  Nilus,  Atlas,  and  the  southern  cape, 
Were  all  there  met,  and  all  wild  beasts  besides 
Hyrcania  breeds,  or  Hyrcane  forest  hides. 

But  yet  that  fierce,  that  strange  and  savage  host 
Could  not  in  presence  of  those  worthies  stand, 
But  fled  away,  their  heart  and  courage  lost, 
When  Lord  Ubaldo  shook  his  charming  wand. 
No  other  let  their  passage  stopped  or  crossed ; 
Till  on  the  mountain's  top  themselves  they  fand, 
Save  that  the  ice,  the  frost,  and  drifted  snow, 
Oft  made  them  feeble,  weary,  faint  and  slow. 

But  having  passed  all  that  frozen  ground, 
And  overgone  that  winter  sharp  and  keen, 
A  warm,  mild,  pleasant,  gentle  sky  they  found, 
That  overspread  a  large  and  ample  green, 


JERUSALEM  DELIVERED  313 

The  winds  breathed  spikenard,  myrrh,  and  balm  around, 
The  blasts  were  firm,  unchanged,  stable  been, 
Not  as  elsewhere  the  winds  now  rise  now  fall, 
And  Phoebus  there  aye  shines,  sets  not  at  all. 

Not  as  elsewhere  now  sunshine  bright  now  showers, 
Now  heat  now  cold,  there  interchanged  were, 
But  everlasting  spring  mild  heaven  down  pours, — 
In  which  nor  rain,  nor  storm,  nor  clouds  appear, — 
Nursing  to  fields,  their  grass ;  to  grass,  his  flowers ; 
To  flowers  their  smell ;  to  trees,  the  leaves  they  bear : 
There  by  a  lake  a  stately  palace  stands, 
That  overlooks  all  mountains,  seas  and  lands : 

The  passage  hard  against  the  mountain  steep 
These  travellers  had  faint  and  weary  made, 
That  through  those  grassy  plains  they  scantly  creep; 
They  walked,  they  rested  oft,  they  went,  they  stayed, 
When  from  the  rocks,  that  seemed  for  joy  to  weep, 
Before  their  feet  a  dropping  crystal  played 
Enticing  them  to  drink,  and  on  the  flowers 
The  plenteous  spring  a  thousand  streams  down  pours, 

All  which,  united  in  the  springing  grass, 
Ate  forth  a  channel  through  the  tender  green 
And  underneath  eternal  shade  did  pass, 
With  murmur  shrill,  cold,  pure,  and  scantly  seen; 
Yet  so  transparent,  that  perceived  was 
The  bottom  rich,  and  sands  that  golden  been, 
And  on  the  brims  the  silken  grass  aloft 
Proffered  them  seats,  sweet,  easy,  fresh  and  soft. 

"  See  here  the  stream  of  laughter,  see  the  spring," 
Quoth  they,  "  of  danger  and  of  deadly  pain, 
Here  fond  desire  must  by  fair  governing 
Be  ruled,  our  lust  bridled  with  wisdom's  rein, 
Our  ears  be  stopped  while  these  Sirens  sing, 
Their  notes  enticing  man  to  pleasure  vain." 

Thus  passed  they  forward  where  the  stream  did  make 
An  ample  pond,  a  large  and  spacious  lake. 


TASSO 

There  on  a  table  was  all  dainty  food 
That  sea,  that  earth,  or  liquid  air  could  give, 
And  in  the  crystal  of  the  laughing  flood 
They  saw  two  naked  virgins  bathe  and  dive, 
That  sometimes  toying,  sometimes  wrestling  stood, 
Sometimes  for  speed  and  skill  in  swimming  strive, 
Now  underneath  they  dived,  now  rose  above, 
And  ticing  baits  laid  forth  of  lust  and  love. 

These  naked  wantons,  tender,  fair  and  white, 
Moved  so  far  the  warriors'  stubborn  hearts, 
That  on  their  shapes  they  gazed  with  delight ; 
The  nymphs  applied  their  sweet  alluring  arts, 
And  one  of  them  above  the  waters  quite, 
Lift  up  her  head,  her  breasts  and  higher  parts, 
And  all  that  might  weak  eyes  subdue  and  take, 
Her  lower  beauties  veiled  the  gentle  lake. 

As  when  the  morning  star,  escaped  and  fled 
From  greedy  waves,  with  dewy  beams  up  flies, 
Or  as  the  Queen  of  Love,  new  born  and  bred 
Of  the  Ocean's  fruitful  froth,  did  first  arise: 
So  vented  she  her  golden  locks  forth  shed 
Round  pearls  and  crystal  moist  therein  which  lies: 
But  when  her  eyes  upon  the  knights  she  cast, 
She  start,  and  feigned  her  of  their  sight  aghast. 

And  her  fair  locks,  that  in  a  knot  were  tied 
High  on  her  crown,  she  'gan  at  large  unfold ; 
Which  falling  long  and  thick  and  spreading  wide, 
The  ivory  soft  and  white  mantled  in  gold : 
Thus  her  fair  skin  the  dame  would  clothe  and  hide, 
And  that  which  hid  it  no  less  fair  was  hold ; 
Thus  clad  in  waves  and  locks,  her  eyes  divine, 
From  them  ashamed  did  she  turn  and  twine. 

Withal  she  smiled  and  she  blushed  withal, 
Her  blush,  her  smilings,  smiles  her  blushing  graced ; 
Over  her  face  her  amber  tresses  fall, 
.Whereunder  Love  himself  in  ambush  placed: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  315 

At  last  she  warbled  forth  a  treble  small, 
And  with  sweet  looks  her  sweet  songs  interlaced; 
"  Oh  happy  men !  that  have  the  grace,"  quoth  she, 
"  This  bliss,  this  heaven,  this  paradise  to  see. 

"  This  is  the  place  wherein  you  may  assuage 
Your  sorrows  past,  here  is  that  joy  and  bliss 
That  flourished  in  the  antique  golden  age, 
Here  needs  no  law,  here  none  doth  aught  amiss : 
Put  off  those  arms  and  fear  not  Mars  his  rage, 
Your  sword,  your  shield,  your  helmet  needless  is ; 
Then  consecrate  them  here  to  endless  rest, 
You  shall  love's  champions  be,  and  soldiers  blest. 

"  The  fields  for  combat  here  are  beds  of  down, 
Or  heaped  lilies  under  shady  brakes ; 
But  come  and  see  our  queen  with  golden  crown, 
That  all  her  servants  blest  and  happy  makes, 
She  will  admit  you  gently  for  her  own, 
Numbered  with  those  that  of  her  joy  partakes : 

But  first  within  this  lake  your  dust  and  sweat 

Wash  off,  and  at  that  table  sit  and  eat." 

While  thus  she  sung,  her  sister  lured  them  nigh 
With  many  a  gesture  kind  and  loving  show, 
To  music's  sound  as  dames  in  court  apply 
Their  cunning  feet,  and  dance  now  swift  now  slow: 
But  still  the  knights  unmoved  passed  by, 
These  vain  delights  for  wicked  charms  they  know, 
Nor  could  their  heavenly  voice  or  angel's  look, 
Surprise  their  hearts,  if  eye  or  ear  they  took. 

For  if  that  sweetness  once  but  touched  their  hearts, 
And  proffered  there  to  kindle  Cupid's  fire, 
Straight  armed  Reason  to  his  charge  up  starts, 
And  quencheth  Lust,  and  killeth  fond  Desire; 
Thus  scorned  were  the  dames,  their  wiles  and  arts 
And  to  the  palace  gates  the  knights  retire, 
While  in  their  stream  the  damsels  dived  sad, 
Ashamed,  disgraced,  for  that  repulse  they  had. 

Classics.     Vol.   35— O 


SIXTEENTH   BOOK 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

The  searchers  pass  through  all  the  palace  bright 
Where  in  sweet  prison  lies  Rinaldo  pent, 
And  do  so  much,  that  full  of  rage  and  spite, 
With  them  he  goes  sad,  shamed,  discontent: 
With  plaints  and  prayers  to  retain  her  knight 
Armida  strives;  he  hears,  but  thence  he  went, 
And  she  forlorn  her  palace  great  and  fair 
Destroys  for  grief,  and  flies  thence  through  the  air. 

THE  palace  great  is  builded  rich  and  round, 
And  in  the  centre  of  the  inmost  hold 
There  lies  a  garden  sweet,  on  fertile  ground. 
Fairer  than  that  where  grew  the  trees  of  gold : 
The  cunning  sprites  had  buildings  reared  around 
With  doors  and  entries  false  a  thousandfold, 
A  labyrinth  they  made  that  fortress  brave, 
Like  Daedal's  prison,  or  Porsenna's  grave. 

The  knights  passed  through  the  castle's  largest  gate, 
Though  round  about  an  hundred  ports  there  shine, 
The  door-leaves  framed  of  carved  silver-plate, 
Upon  their  golden  hinges  turn  and  twine. 
They  stayed  to  view  this  work  of  wit  and  state. 
The  workmanship  excelled  the  substance  fine, 
For  all  the  shapes  in  that  rich  metal  wrought, 
Save  speech,  of  living  bodies  wanted  naught. 

Alcides  there  sat  telling  tales,  and  spun 

Among  the  feeble  troops  of  damsels  mild, 

He  that  the  fiery  gates  of  hell  had  won 

And  heaven  upheld ;  false  Love  stood  by  and  smiled : 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  317 

Armed  with  his  club  fair  lole  forth  run, 
His  club  with  blood  of  monsters  foul  defiled, 

And  on  her  back  his  lion's  skin  had  she, 

Too  rough  a  bark  for  such  a  tender  tree. 

Beyond  was  made  a  sea,  whose  azure  flood 
The  hoary  froth  crushed  from  the  surges  blue, 
Wherein  two  navies  great  well  ranged  stood 
Of  warlike  ships,  fire  from  their  arms  outflew, 
The  waters  burned  about  their  vessels  good, 
Such  flames  the  gold  therein  enchased  threw, 
Caesar  his  Romans  hence,  the  Asian  kings 
Thence  Antony  and  Indian  princes  brings. 

The  Cyclades  seemed  to  swim  amid  the  main, 
And  hill  gainst  hill,  and  mount  gainst  mountain  smote, 
With  such  great  fury  met  those  armies  twain ; 
Here  burnt  a  ship,  there  sunk  a  bark  or  boat, 
Here  darts  and  wild-fire  flew,  there  drowned  or  slain 
Of  princes  dead  the  bodies  fleet  and  float ; 
Here  Caesar  wins,  and  yonder  conquered  been 
The  Eastern  ships,  there  fled  the  Egyptian  queen : 

Antonius  eke  himself  to  flight  betook, 
The  empire  lost  to  which  he  would  aspire, 
Yet  fled  not  he  nor  fight  for  fear  forsook, 
But  followed  her,  drawn  on  by  fond  desire: 
Well  might  you  see  within  his  troubled  look, 
Strive  and  contend,  love,  courage,  shame  and  ire ; 
Oft  looked  he  back,  oft  gazed  he  on  the  fight, 
But  oftener  on  his  mistress  and  her  flight. 

Then  in  the  secret  creeks  of  fruitful  Nile, 

Cast  in  her  lap,  he  would  sad  death  await, 

And  in  the  pleasure  of  her  lovely  smile 

Sweeten  the  bitter  stroke  of  cursed  fate: 

All  this  did  art  with  curious  hand  compile 

In  the  rich  metal  of  that  princely  gate. 
The  knights  these  stories  viewed  first  and  last, 
Which  seen,  they  forward  pressed,  and  in  they  passed: 


TASSO 

As  through  his  channel  crooked  Meander  glides 
With  turns  and  twines,  and  rolls  now  to,  now  fro, 
Whose  streams  run  forth  there  to  the  salt  sea  sides 
Here  back  return  and  to  their  springward  go: 
Such  crooked  paths,  such  ways  this  palace  hides; 
Yet  all  the  maze  their  map  described  so, 

That  through  the  labyrinth  they  got  in  fine, 

As  Theseus  did  by  Ariadne's  line. 

When  they  had  passed  all  those  troubled  ways, 

The  garden  sweet  spread  forth  her  green  to  show, 

The  moving  crystal  from  the  fountains  plays, 

Fair  trees,  high  plants,  strange  herbs  and  flowerets  new, 

Sunshiny  hills,  dales  hid  from  Phoebus'  rays, 

Groves,  arbors,  mossy  caves,  at  once  they  view, 

And  that  which  beauty  most,  most  wonder  brought, 
Nowhere  appeared  the  art  which  all  this  wrought. 

So  with  the  rude  the  polished  mingled  was 
That  natural  seemed  all  and  every  part, 
Nature  would  craft  in  counterfeiting  pass, 
And  imitate  her  imitator  art : 
Mild  was  the  air,  the  skies  were  clear  as  glass, 
The  trees  no  whirlwind  felt,  nor  tempest  smart, 
But  ere  the  fruit  drop  off,  the  blossom  comes, 
This  springs,  that  falls,  that  ripeneth  and  this  blooms. 

The  leaves  upon  the  self-same  bough  did  hide 

Beside  the  young  the  old  and  ripened  fig, 

Here  fruit  was  green,  there  ripe  with  vermeil  side, 

The  apples  new  and  old  grew  on  one  twig, 

The  fruitful  vine  her  arms  spread  high  and  wide 

That  bended  underneath  their  clusters  big, 

The  grapes  were  tender  here,  hard,  young  and  sour, 
There  purple  ripe,  and  nectar  sweet  forth  pour. 

The  joyous  birds,  hid  under  greenwood  shade, 
Sung  merry  notes  on  every  branch  and  bough, 
The  wind  that  in  the  leaves  and  waters  played 
With  murmur  sweet,  now  sung,  and  whistled  now ; 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  319 

Ceased  the  birds,  the  wind  loud  answer  made, 
And  while  they  sung,  it  rumbled  soft  and  low ; 
Thus  were  it  hap  or  cunning,  chance  or  art, 
The  wind  in  this  strange  music  bore  his  part. 

With  party-colored  plumes  and  purple  bill, 
A  wondrous  bird  among  the  rest  there  flew, 
That  in  plain  speech  sung  love-lays  loud  and  shrill, 
Her  leden  was  like  human  language  true ; 
So  much  she  talked,  and  with  such  wit  and  skill, 
That  strange  it  seemed  how  much  good  she  knew, 
Her  feathered  fellows  all  stood  hush  to  hear, 
Dumb  was  the  wind,  the  waters  silent  were. 

"  The  gently  budding  rose,"  quoth  she,  "  behold, 
That  first  scant  peeping  forth  with  virgin  beams, 
Half  ope,  half  shut,  her  beauties  doth  upfold 
In  their  dear  leaves,  and  less  seen,  fairer  seems, 
And  after  spreads  them  forth  more  broad  and  bold, 
Then  languisheth  and  dies  in  last  extremes, 

Nor  seems  the  same,  that  decked  bed  and  bower 

Of  many  a  lady  late,  and  paramour ; 

"  So,  in  the  passing  of  a  day,  doth  pass 
The  bud  and  blossom  of  the  life  of  man, 
Nor  e'er  doth  flourish  more,  but  like  the  grass 
Cut  down,  becometh  withered,  pale  and  wan: 
Oh  gather  then  the  rose  while  time  thou  hast 
Short  is  the  day,  done  when  it  scant  began, 
Gather  the  rose  of  love,  while  yet  thou  mayest, 
Loving,  be  loved ;  embracing,  be  embraced." 

He  ceased,  and  as  approving  all  he  spoke, 
The  choir  of  birds  their  heavenly  tunes  renew, 
The  turtles  sighed,  and  sighs  with  kisses  broke, 
The  fowls  to  shades  unseen  by  pairs  withdrew ; 
It  seemed  the  laurel  chaste,  and  stubborn  oak, 
And  all  the  gentle  trees  on  earth  that  grew, 
It  seemed  the  land,  the  sea,  and  heaven  above, 
All  breathed  out  fancy  sweet,  and  sighed  out  love. 


3ao  TASSO 

Through  all  this  music  rare,  and  strong  consent 
Of  strange  allurements,  sweet  'bove  mean  and  measure, 
Severe,  firm,  constant,  still  the  knights  forthwent, 
Hardening  their  hearts  gainst  false  enticing  pleasure, 
'Twixt  leaf  and  leaf  their  sight  before  they  sent, 
And  after  crept  themselves  at  ease  and  leisure, 
Till  they  beheld  the  queen,  set  with  their  knight 
Besides  the  lake,  shaded  with  boughs  from  sight : 

Her  breasts  were  naked,  for  the  day  was  hot, 
Her  locks  unbound  waved  in  the  wanton  wind ; 
Some  deal  she  sweat,  tired  with  the  game  you  wot, 
Her  sweat-drops  bright,  white,  round,  like  pearls  of  Ind ; 
Her  humid  eyes  a  fiery  smile  forthshot 
That  like  sunbeams  in  silver  fountains  shined, 
O'er  him  her  looks  she  hung,  and  her  soft  breast 
The  pillow  was,  where  he  and  love  took  rest. 

His  hungry  eyes  upon  her  face  he  fed, 
And  feeding  them  so,  pined  himself  away ; 
And  she,  declining  often  down  her  head, 
His  lips,  his  cheeks,  his  eyes  kissed,  as  he  lay, 
Wherewith  he  sighed,  as  if  his  soul  had  fled 
From  his  frail  breast  to  hers,  and  there  would  stay 
With  her  beloved  sprite :  the  armed  pair 
These  follies  all  beheld  and  this  hot  fare. 

Down  by  the  lovers'  side  there  pendent  was 
A  crystal  mirror,  bright,  pure,  smooth,  and  neat, 
He  rose,  and  to  his  mistress  held  the  glass, 
A  noble  page,  graced  with  that  service  great; 
She,  with  glad  looks,  he  with  inflamed,  alas, 
Beauty  and  love  beheld,  both  in  one  seat; 
Yet  them  in  sundry  objects  each  espies, 
She,  in  the  glass,  he  saw  them  in  her  eyes: 

Her,  to  command ;  to  serve,  it  pleased  the  knight ; 
He  proud  of  bondage ;  of  her  empire,  she ; 
"  My  dear,"  he  said,  "  that  blessest  with  thy  sight 
Even  blessed  angels,  turn  thine  eyes  to  me, 


JERUSALEM  DELIVERED          321 

For  painted  in  my  heart  and  portrayed  right 
Thy  worth,  thy  beauties  and  perfections  be, 
Of  which  the  form,  the  shape  and  fashion  best, 
Not  in  this  glass  is  seen,  but  in  my  breast. 

"  And  if  thou  me  disdain,  yet  be  content 

At  least  so  to  behold  thy  lovely  hue, 

That  while  thereon  thy  looks  are  fixed  and  bent 

Thy  happy  eyes  themselves  may  see  and  view; 

So  rare  a  shape  no  crystal  can  present, 

No  glass  contain  that  heaven  of  beauties  true; 

Oh  let  the  skies  thy  worthy  mirror  be ! 

And  in  clear  stars  thy  shape  and  image  see." 

And  with  that  word  she  smiled,  and  ne'ertheless 

Her  love-toys  still  she  used,  and  pleasures  bold ! 

Her  hair,  that  done,  she  twisted  up  in  tress, 

And  looser  locks  in  silken  laces  rolled, 

Her  curies  garlandwise  she  did  up-dress, 

Wherein,  like  rich  enamel  laid  on  gold, 

The  twisted  flowers  smiled,  and  her  white  breast 
The  lilies  there  that  spring  with  roses  dressed. 

The  jolly  peacock  spreads  not  half  so  fair 

The  eyed  feathers  of  his  pompous  train ; 

Nor  golden  Iris  so  bends  in  the  air 

Her  twenty-colored  bow,  through  clouds  of  rain ; 

Yet  all  her  ornaments,  strange,  rich  and  rare, 

Her  girdle  did  in  price  and  beauty  stain, 

Nor  that,  with  scorn,  which  Tuscan  Guilla  lost, 
Nor  Venus  Ceston,  could  match  this  for  cost. 

Of  mild  denays,  of  tender  scorns,  of  sweet 
Repulses,  war,  peace,  hope,  despair,  joy,  fear, 
Of  smiles,  jests,  mirth,  woe,  grief,  and  sad  regreet, 
Sighs,  sorrows,  tears,  embracements,  kisses  dear, 
That  mixed  first  by  weight  and  measure  meet, 
Then  at  an  easy  fire  attempered  were, 
This  wondrous  girdle  did  Armida  frame, 
And,  when  she  would  be  loved,  wore  the  same. 


TASSO 

But  when  her  wooing  fit  was  brought  to  end, 
She  congee  took,  kissed  him,  and  went  her  way ; 
For  once  she  used  every  day  to  wend 
Bout  her  affairs,  her  spells  and  charms  to  say : 
The  youth  remained,  yet  had  no  power  to  bend 
One  step  from  thence,  but  used  there  to  stray 

Mongst  the  sweet  birds,  through  every  walk  and  grove 
Alone,  save  for  an  hermit  false  called  Love. 

And  when  the  silence  deep  and  friendly  shade 
Recalled  the  lovers  to  their  wonted  sport, 
In  a  fair  room  for  pleasure  built,  they  laid, 
And  longest  nights  with  joys  made  sweet  and  short. 
Now  while  the  queen  her  household  things  surveyed, 
And  left  her  lord  her  garden  and  disport, 
The  twain  that  hidden  in  the  bushes  were 
Before  the  prince  in  glistering  arms  appear: 

As  the  fierce  steed  for  age  withdrawn  from  war 
Wherein  the  glorious  beast  had  always  wone, 
That  in  vile  rest  from  fight  sequestered  far, 
Feeds  with  the  mares  at  large,  his  service  done, 
If  arms  he  see,  or  hear  the  trumpet's  jar, 
He  neigheth  loud  and  thither  fast  doth  run, 
And  wiseth  on  his  back  the  armed  knight, 
Longing  for  jousts,  for  tournament  and  fight : 

So  fared  Rinaldo  when  the  glorious  light 
Of  their  bright  harness  glistered  in  his  eyes, 
His  noble  sprite  awaked  at  that  sight 
His  blood  began  to  warm,  his  heart  to  rise, 
Though,  drunk  with  ease,  devoid  of  wonted  might 
On  sleep  till  then  his  weakened  virtue  lies. 
Ubaldo  forward  stepped,  and  to  him  hield 
Of  diamonds  clear  that  pure  and  precious  shield. 

Upon  the  targe  his  looks  amazed  he  bent, 

And  therein  all  his  wanton  habit  spied, 

His  civet,  balm,  and  perfumes  redolent, 

How  from  his  locks  they  smoked  and  mantle  wide, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  323 

His  sword  that  many  a  Pagan  stout  had  shent, 

Bewrapped  with  flowers,  hung  idly  by  his  side, 

So  nicely  decked  that  it  seemed  the  knight 

Wore  it  for  fashion's  sake  but  not  for  fight. 

As  when,  from  sleep  and  idle  dreams  abraid, 
A  man  awaked  calls  home  his  wits  again; 
So  in  beholding  his  attire  he  played, 
But  yet  to  view  himself  could  not  sustain, 
His  looks  he  downward  cast  and  naught  he  said, 
Grieved,  shamed,  sad,  he  would  have  died  fain, 
And  oft  he  wished  the  earth  or  ocean  wide 
Would  swallow  him,  and  so  his  errors  hide. 

Ubaldo  took  the  time,  and  thus  begun, 

"  All  Europe  now  and  Asia  be  in  war, 

And  all  that  Christ  adore  and  fame  have  won, 

In  battle  strong,  in  Syria  fighting  are ; 

But  thee  alone,  Bertoldo's  noble  son, 

This  little  corner  keeps,  exiled  far 

From  all  the  world,  buried  in  sloth  and  shame, 

A  carpet  champion  for  a  wanton  dame. 

"  What  letharge  hath  in  drowsiness  up-penned 

Thy  courage  thus?  what  sloth  doth  thee  infect? 

Up,  up,  our  camp  and  Godfrey  for  thee  send, 

Thee  fortune,  praise  and  victory  expect, 

Come,  fatal  champion,  bring  to  happy  end 

This  enterprise  begun,  all  that  sect 
Which  oft  thou  shaken  hast  to  earth  full  low 
With  thy  sharp  brand  strike  down,  kill,  overthrow." 

This  said,  the  noble  infant  stood  a  space 
Confused,  speechless,  senseless,  ill-ashamed; 
But  when  that  shame  to  just  disdain  gave  place, 
To  fierce  disdain,  from  courage  sprung  untamed, 
Another  redness  blushed  through  his  face, 
Whence  worthy  anger  shone,  displeasure  flamed, 
His  nice  attire  in  scorn  he  rent  and  tore, 
For  of  his  bondage  vile  that  witness  bore ; 


TASSO 

That  done,  he  hasted  from  the  charmed  fort, 
And  through  the  maze  passed  with  his  searchers  twain. 
Armida  of  her  mount  and  chiefest  port 
Wondered  to  find  the  furious  keeper  slain, 
Awhile  she  feared,  but  she  knew  in  short, 
That  her  dear  lord  was  fled,  then  saw  she  plain, 
Ah,  woful  sight !  how  from  her  gates  the  man 
In  haste,  in  fear,  in  wrath,  in  anger  ran. 

"  Whither,  O  cruel !  leavest  thou  me  alone  ?  " 
She  would  have  cried,  her  grief  her  speeches  stayed, 
So  that  her  woful  words  are  backward  gone, 
And  in  her  heart  a  bitter  echo  made ; 
Poor  soul,  of  greater  skill  than  she  was  one 
Whose  knowledge  from  her  thus  her  joy  conveyed, 
This  wist  she  well,  yet  had  desire  to  prove 
If  art  could  keep,  if  charms  recall  her  love. 

All  what  the  witches  of  Thessalia  land, 
With  lips  unpure  yet  ever  said  or  spake, 
Words  that  could  make  heaven's  rolling  circles  stand, 
And  draw  the  damned  ghosts  from  Limbo  lake, 
All  well  she  knew,  but  yet  no  time  she  fand 
To  use  her  knowledge  or  her  charms  to  make, 
But  left  her  arts,  and  forth  she  ran  to  prove 
If  single  beauty  were  best  charm  for  love. 

She  ran,  nor  of  her  honor  took  regard, 
Oh  where  be  all  her  vaunts  and  triumphs  now  ? 
Love's  empire  great  of  late  she  made  or  marred, 
To  her  his  subjects  humbly  bend  and  bow, 
And  with  her  pride  mixed  was  a  scorn  so  hard, 
That  to  be  loved  she  loved,  yet  whilst  they  woo 
Her  lovers  all  she  hates ;  that  pleased  her  will 
To  conquer  men,  and  conquered  so,  to  kill. 

But  now  herself  disdained,  abandoned, 
Ran  after  him ;  that  from  her  fled  in  scorn, 
And  her  despised  beauty  labored 
With  humble  plaints  and  prayers  to  adorn: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  325 

She  ran  and  hasted  after  him  that  fled, 

Through  frost  and  snow,  through  brier,  bush  and  thorn, 
And  sent  her  cries  on  message  her  before, 
That  reached  not  him  till  he  had  reached  the  shore. 

"  Oh  thou  that  leav'st  but  half  behind,"  quoth  she, 
"  Of  my  poor  heart,  and  half  with  thee  dost  carry, 
Oh  take  this  part,  or  render  that  to  me, 
Else  kill  them  both  at  once,  ah  tarry,  tarry : 
Hear  my  last  words,  no  parting  kiss  of  thee 
I  crave,  for  some  more  fit  with  thee  to  marry 

Keep  them,  unkind ;  what  fear'st  thou  if  thou  stay  ? 

Thou  may'st  deny,  as  well  as  run  away." 

At  this  Rinaldo  stopped,  stood  still,  and  stayed, 
She  came,  sad,  breathless,  weary,  faint  and  weak, 
So  woe-begone  was  never  nymph  or  maid 
And  yet  her  beauty's  pride  grief  could  not  break, 
On  him  she  looked,  she  gazed,  but  naught  she  said, 
She  would  not,  could  not,  or  she  durst  not  speak, 
At  her  he  looked  not,  glanced  not,  if  he  did, 
Those  glances  shamefaced  were,  close,  secret,  hid. 

As  cunning  singers,  ere  they  strain  on  high, 
In  loud  melodious  tunes,  their  gentle  voice, 
Prepare  the  hearers'  ears  to  harmony 
With  feignings  sweet,  low  notes  and  warbles  choice : 
So  she,  not  having  yet  forgot  pardie 
Her  wonted  shifts  and  sleights  in  Cupid's  toys, 
A  sequence  first  of  sighs  and  sobs  forthcast, 
To  breed  compassion  dear,  then  spake  at  last : 

"  Suppose  not,  cruel,  that  I  come  to  vow 
Or  pray,  as  ladies  do  their  loves  and  lords ; 
Such  were  we  late,  if  thou  disdain  it  now, 
Or  scorn  to  grant  such  grace  as  love  affords, 
At  least  yet  as  an  enemy  listen  thou: 
Sworn  foes  sometimes  will  talk  and  chaffer  words, 
For  what  I  ask  thee,  may'st  thou  grant  right  well, 
And  lessen  naught  thy  wrath  and  anger  fell. 


326  TASSO 

"  If  me  thou  hate,  and  in  that  hate  delight, 
I  come  not  to  appease  thee,  hate  me  still, 
It's  like  for  like ;  I  bore  great  hate  and  spite 
Gainst  Christians  all,  chiefly  I  wish  thee  ill: 
I  was  a  Pagan  born,  and  all  my  might 
Against  Godfredo  bent,  mine  art  and  skill : 
I  followed  thee,  took  thee,  and  bore  thee  far, 
To  this  strange  isle,  and  kept  thee  safe  from  war. 

"  And  more,  which  more  thy  hate  may  justly  move, 
More  to  thy  loss,  more  to  thy  shame  and  grief, 
I  thee  inchanted,  and  allured  to  love, 
Wicked  deceit,  craft  worthy  sharp  reprief; 
Mine  honor  gave  I  thee  all  gifts  above, 
And  of  my  beauties  made  thee  lord  and  chief, 
And  to  my  suitors  old  what  I  denayed, 
That  gave  I  thee,  my  lover  new,  unprayed. 

"  But  reckon  that  among  my  faults,  and  let 
Those  many  wrongs  provoke  thee  so  to  wrath, 
That  hence  thou  run,  and  that  at  naught  thou  set 
This  pleasant  house,  so  many  joys  which  hath ; 
Go,  travel,  pass  the  seas,  fight,  conquest  get, 
Destroy  our  faith,  what  shall  I  say,  our  faith  ? 
Ah  no !  no  longer  ours,  before  thy  shrine 
Alone  I  pray,  thou  cruel  saint  of  mine ; 

"  All  only  let  me  go  with  thee,  unkind, 
A  small  request  although  I  were  thy  foe, 
The  spoiler  seldom  leaves  the  prey  behind, 
Who  triumphs  lets  his  captives  with  him  go ; 
Among  thy  prisoners  poor  Armida  bind, 
And  let  the  camp  increase  thy  praises  so, 
That  thy  beguiler  so  thou  couldst  beguile, 
And  point  at  me,  thy  thrall  and  bondslave  vile. 

"  Despised  bondslave,  since  my  lord  doth  hate 
These  locks,  why  keep  I  them  or  hold  them  dear? 
Come  cut  them  off,  that  to  my  servile  state 
My  habit  answer  may,  and  all  my  gear : 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  327 

1  follow  thee  in  spite  of  death  and  fate, 
Through  battles  fierce  where  dangers  most  appear, 
Courage  I  have,  and  strength  enough  perchance, 
To  lead  thy  courser  spare,  and  bear  thy  lance : 

"  I  will  or  bear,  or  be  myself,  thy  shield, 
And  to  defend  thy  life,  will  lose  mine  own: 
This  breast,  this  bosom  soft  shall  be  thy  bield 
Gainst  storms  of  arrows,  darts  and  weapons  thrown ; 
Thy  foes,  pardie,  encountering  thee  in  field, 
Will  spare  to  strike  thee,  mine  affection  known, 

Lest  me  they  wound,  nor  will  sharp  vengeance  take 

On  thee,  for  this  despised  beauty's  sake. 

"  O  wretch !  dare  I  still  vaunt,  or  help  invoke 
From  this  poor  beauty,  scorned  and  disdained  ?  " 
She  said  no  more,  her  tears  her  speeches  broke, 
Which  from  her  eyes  like  streams  from  springs  down  rained : 
She  would  have  caught  him  by  the  hand  or  cloak, 
But  he  stepped  backward,  and  himself  restrained, 
Conquered  his  will,  his  heart  ruth  softened  not, 
There  plaints  no  issue,  love  no  entrance  got. 

Love  entered  not  to  kindle  in  his  breast, 
Which  Reason  late  had  quenched,  his  wonted  flame; 
Yet  entered  Pity  in  the  place  at  least, 
Love's  sister,  but  a  chaste  and  sober  dame, 
And  stirred  him  so,  that  hardly  he  suppressed 
The  springing  tears  that  to  his  eyes  up  came ; 
But  yet  even  there  his  plaints  repressed  were, 
And,  as  he  could,  he  looked,  and  feigned  cheer. 

"  Madam,"  quoth  he,  "  for  your  distress  I  grieve, 

And  would  amend  it,  if  I  might  or  could. 

From  your  wise  heart  that  fond  affection  drive: 

I  cannot  hate  nor  scorn  you  though  I  would, 

I  seek  no  vengeance,  wrongs  I  all  forgive, 

Nor  you  my  servant  nor  my  foe  I  hold, 
Truth  is,  you  erred,  and  your  estate  forgot, 
.Too  great  your  hate  was,  and  your  love  too  hot. 


328  TASSO 

"  But  those  are  common  faults,  and  faults  of  kind, 
Excused  by  nature,  by  your  sex  and  years; 
I  erred  likewise,  if  I  pardon  find 
None  can  condemn  you,  that  our  trespass  hears; 
Your  dear  remembrance  will  I  keep  in  mind, 
In  joys,  in  woes,  in  comforts,  hopes  and  fears, 
Call  me  your  soldier  and  your  knight,  as  far 
As  Christian  faith  permits,  and  Asia's  war. 

"Ah,  let  our  faults  and  follies  here  take  end, 

And  let  our  errors  past  you  satisfy, 

And  in  this  angle  of  the  world  ypend, 

Let  both  the  fame  and  shame  thereof  now  die, 

From  all  the  earth  where  I  am  known  and  kenned, 

I  wish  this  fact  should  still  concealed  lie : 

Nor  yet  in  following  me,  poor  knight,  disgrace 
Your  worth,  your  beauty,  and  your  princely  race. 

"  Stay  here  in  peace,  I  go,  nor  wend  you  may 
With  me,  my  guide  your  fellowship  denies, 
Stay  here  or  hence  depart  some  better  way, 
And  calm  your  thoughts,  you  are  both  sage  and  wise," 
While  thus  he  spoke,  her  passions  found  no  stay, 
But  here  and  there  she  turned  and  rolled  her  eyes, 
And  staring  on  his  face  awhile,  at  last 
Thus  in  foul  terms,  her  bitter  wrath  forth  brast: 

"  Of  Sophia  fair  thou  never  wert  the  child, 
Nor  of  the  Azzain  race  ysprung  thou  art, 
The  mad  sea-waves  thee  bare,  some  tigress  wild 
On  Caucasus'  cold  crags  nursed  thee  apart ; 
Ah,  cruel  man !  in  whom  no  token  mild 
Appears,  of  pity,  ruth,  or  tender  heart, 

Could  not  my  griefs,  my  woes,  my  plaints,  and  all 
One  sigh  strain  from  thy  breast,  one  tear  make  fall  ? 

"  What  shall  I  say,  or  how  renew  my  speech  ? 
He  scorns  me,  leaves  me,  bids  me  call  him  mine; 
The  victor  hath  his  foe  within  his  reach ; 
Yet  pardons  her,  that  merits  death  and  pine; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  329 

Hear  how  he  counsels  me ;  how  he  can  preach, 

Like  chaste  Xenocrates,  gainst  love  divine ; 

O  heavens,  O  gods !  why  do  these  men  of  shame, 
Thus  spoil  your  temples,  and  blaspheme  your  name  ? 

"  Go  cruel,  go,  go  with  such  peace,  such  rest, 
Such  joy,  such  comfort,  as  thou  leavest  me  here : 
My  angry  soul  discharged  from  this  weak  breast, 
Shall  haunt  thee  ever,  and  attend  thee  near, 
And  fury-like  in  snakes  and  firebrands  dressed, 
Shall  aye  torment  thee,  whom  it  late  held  dear : 
And  if  thou  'scape  the  seas,  the  rocks,  and  sands 
And  come  to  fight  among  the  Pagan  bands, 

There  lying  wounded,  mongst  the  hurt  and  slain, 
Of  these  my  wrongs  thou  shalt  the  vengeance  bear, 
And  oft  Armida  shalt  thou  call  in  vain, 
At  thy  last  gasp ;  this  hope  I  soon  to  hear :" 
Here  fainted  she,  with  sorrow,  grief  and  pain, 
Her  latest  words  scant  well  expressed  were, 
But  in  a  swoon  on  earth  outstretched  she  lies, 
Stiff  were  her  frozen  limbs,  closed  were  her  eyes. 

Thou  closed  thine  eyes,  Armida,  heaven  envied 
Ease  to  thy  grief,  or  comfort  to  thy  woe ; 
Ah,  open  then  again,  see  tears  down  slide 
From  his  kind  eyes,  whom  thou  esteem'st  thy  foe, 
If  thou  hadst  heard,  his  sighs  had  mollified 
Thine  anger,  hard  he  sighed  and  mourned  so; 
And  as  he  could  with  sad  and  rueful  look 
His  leave  of  thee  and  last  farewell  he  took. 

What  should  he  do  ?  leave  on  the  naked  sand 

This  woful  lady  half  alive,  half  dead  ? 

Kindness  forbade,  pity  did  that  withstand ; 

But  hard  constraint,  alas !  did  thence  him  lead ; 

Away  he  went,  the  west  wind  blew  from  land 

Mongst  the  rich  tresses  of  their  pilot's  head, 
And  with  that  golden  sail  the  waves  she  cleft, 
To  land  he  looked,  till  land  unseen  he  left. 


330  TASSO 

Waked  from  her  trance,  forsaken,  speechless,  sad, 
Armida  wildly  stared  and  gazed  about, 
"  And  is  he  gone,"  quoth  she,  "  nor  pity  had 
To  leave  me  thus  twixt  life  and  death  in  doubt? 
Could  he  not  stay  ?  could  not  the  traitor-lad 
From  this  last  trance  help  or  recall  me  out? 
And  do  I  love  him  still,  and  on  this  sand 
Still  unrevenged,  still  mourn,  still  weeping  stand? 

"  Fie  no !  complaints  farewell !  with  arms  and  art 
I  will  pursue  to  death  this  spiteful  knight, 
Not  earth's  low  centre,  nor  sea's  deepest  part, 
Not  heaven,  nor  hell,  can  shield  him  from  my  might, 
I  will  o'ertake  him,  take  him,  cleave  his  heart, 
Such  vengeance  fits  a  wronged  lover's  spite, 
In  cruelty  that  cruel  knight  surpass 
I  will,  but  what  avail  vain  words,  alas? 

"  O  fool !  thou  shouldest  have  been  cruel  than, 
For  then  this  cruel  well  deserved  thine  ire, 
When  thou  in  prison  hadst  entrapped  the  man, 
Now  dead  with  cold,  too  late  thou  askest  fire; 
But  though  my  wit,  my  cunning  nothing  can, 
Some  other  means  shall  work  my  heart's  desire, 
To  thee,  my  beauty,  thine  be  all  these  wrongs, 
Vengeance  to  thee,  to  thee  revenge  belongs. 

"  Thou  shalt  be  his  reward,  with  murdering  brand 
That  dare  this  traitor  of  his  head  deprive, 

0  you  my  lovers,  on  this  rock  doth  stand 
The  castle  of  her  love  for  whom  you  strive, 
I,  the  sole  heir  of  all  Damascus  land, 
For  this  revenge  myself  and  kingdom  give, 

If  by  this  price  my  will  I  cannot  gain, 
Nature  gives  beauty;  fortune,  wealth  in  vam. 

"  But  thee,  vain  gift,  vain  beauty,  thee  I  scorn, 

1  hate  the  kingdom  which  I  have  to  give, 
I  hate  myself,  and  rue  that  I  was  born, 
Only  in  hope  of  sweet  revenge  I  live." 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  331 

Thus  raging  with  fell  ire  she  gan  return 

From  that  bare  shore  in  haste,  and  homeward  drive, 

And  as  true  witness  of  her  frantic  ire, 

Her  locks  waved  loose,  face  shone,  eyes  sparkled  fire. 

When  she  came  home,  she  called  with  outcries  shrill, 

A  thousand  devils  in  Limbo  deep  that  won, 

Black  clouds  the  skies  with  horrid  darkness  fill, 

And  pale  for  dread  became  the  eclipsed  sun, 

The  whirlwind  blustered  big  on  every  hill, 

And  hell  to  roar  under  her  feet  begun, 

You  might  have  heard  how  through  the  palace  wide, 
Some  spirits  howled,  some  barked,  some  hissed,  some  cried. 

A  shadow,  blacker  than  the  mirkest  night, 
Environed  all  the  place  with  darkness  sad, 
Wherein  a  firebrand  gave  a  dreadful  light, 
Kindled  in  hell  by  Tisiphone  the  mad ; 
Vanished  the  shade,  the  sun  appeared  in  sight, 
Pale  were  his  beams,  the  air  was  nothing  glad, 

And  all  the  palace  vanished  was  and  gone, 

Nor  of  so  great  a  work  was  left  one  stone. 

As  oft  the  clouds  frame  shapes  of  castles  great 

Amid  the  air,  that  little  time  do  last, 

But  are  dissolved  by  wind  or  Titan's  heat, 

Or  like  vain  dreams  soon  made,  and  sooner  past : 

The  palace  vanished  so,  nor  in  his  seat 

Left  aught  but  rocks  and  crags,  by  kind  there  placed; 
She  in  her  coach  which  two  old  serpents  drew, 
Sate  down,  and  as  she  used,  away  she  flew. 

She  broke  the  clouds,  and  cleft  the  yielding  sky, 
And  bout  her  gathered  tempest,  storm  and  wind, 
The  lands  that  view  the  south  pole  flew  she  by, 
And  left  those  unknown  countries  far  behind, 
The  Straits  of  Hercules  she  passed,  which  lie 
Twixt  Spain  and  Afric,  nor  her  flight  inclined 
To  north  or  south,  but  still  did  forward  ride 
O'er  seas  and  streams,  till  Syria's  coasts  she  spied. 


33»  TASSO 

Now  she  went  forward  to  Damascus  fair, 
But  of  her  country  dear  she  fled  the  sight, 
And  guided  to  Asphaltes'  lake  her  chair, 
Where  stood  her  castle,  there  she  ends  her  flight, 
And  from  her  damsels  far,  she  made  repair 
To  a  deep  vault,  far  from  resort  and  light, 

Where  in  sad  thoughts  a  thousand  doubts  she  cast, 
Till  grief  and  shame  to  wrath  gave  place  at  last. 

"  I  will  not  hence,"  quoth  she,  "  till  Egypt's  lord 
In  aid  of  Zion's  king  his  host  shall  move ; 
Then  will  I  use  all  helps  that  charms  afford, 
And  change  my  shape  or  sex  if  so  behove: 
Well  can  I  handle  bow,  or  lance,  or  sword, 
The  worthies  all  will  aid  me,  for  my  love: 
I  seek  revenge,  and  to  obtain  the  same, 
Farewell,  regard  of  honor ;  farewell,  shame. 

"  Nor  let  mine  uncle  and  protector  me 
Reprove  for  this,  he  most  deserves  the  blame, 
My  heart  and  sex,  that  weak  and  tender  be, 
He  bent  to  deeds  that  maidens  ill  became ; 
His  niece  a  wandering  damsel  first  made  he, 
He  spurred  my  youth,  and  I  cast  off  my  shame, 
His  be  the  fault,  if  aught  gainst  mine  estate 
I  did  for  love,  or  shall  commit  for  hate." 

This  said,  her  knights,  her  ladies,  pages,  squires 

She  all  assembleth,  and  for  journey  fit 

In  such  fair  arms  and  vestures  them  attires 

As  showed  her  wealth,  and  well  declared  her  wit ; 

And  forward  marched,  full  of  strange  desires, 

Nor  rested  she  by  day  or  night  one  whit, 

Till  she  came  there,  where  all  the  eastern  bands, 
Their  kings  and  princes,  lay  on  Gaza's  sands. 


SEVENTEENTH   BOOK 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

Egypt's  great  host  in  battle-ray  forth  brought, 
The  Caliph  sends  with  Godfrey's  power  to  fight; 
Armida,  who  Rinaldo's  ruin  sought, 
To  them  adjoins  herself  and  Syria's  might. 
To  satisfy  her  cruel  will  and  thought, 
She  gives  herself  to  him  that  kills  her  knight: 
He  takes  his  fatal  arms,  and  in  his  shield 
His  ancestors  and  their  great  deeds  beheld. 

GAZA  the  city  on  the  frontier  stands 
Of  Juda's  realm,  as  men  to  Egypt  ride, 
Built  near  the  sea,  beside  it  of  dry  sands 
Huge  wildernesses  lie  and  deserts  wide 
Which  the  strong  winds  lift  from  the  parched  lands 
And  toss  like  roaring  waves  in  roughest  tide, 
That  from  those  storms  poor  passengers  almost 
No  refuge  find,  but  there  are  drowned  and  lost. 

Within  this  town,  won  from  the  Turks  of  yore, 
Strong  garrison  the  king  of  Egypt  placed, 
And  for  it  nearer  was,  and  fitted  more 
That  high  emprise  to  which  his  thoughts  he  cast, 
He  left  great  Memphis,  and  to  Gaza  bore 
His  regal  throne,  and  there,  from  countries  vast 
Of  his  huge  empire  all  the  puissant  host 
Assembled  he,  and  mustered  on  the  coast. 

Come  say,  my  Muse,  what  manner  times  these  were. 
And  in  those  times  how  stood  the  state  of  things, 
What  power  this  monarch  had,  what  arms  they  bear. 
What  nations  subject,  and  what  friends  he  brings ; 
From  all  lands  the  southern  ocean  near, 
Or  morning  star,  came  princes,  dukes  and  kings, 
And  only  thou  of  half  the  world  well-nigh 
The  armies,  lords,  and  captains  canst  descry. 

333 


334  TASSO 

When  Egypt  from  the  Greekish  emperor 
Rebelled  first,  and  Christ's  true  faith  denied, 
Of  Mahomet's  descent  a  warrior 
There  set  his  throne  and  ruled  that  kingdom  wide, 
Caliph  he  hight,  and  Caliphs  since  that  hour 
Are  his  successors  named  all  beside: 

So  Nilus  old- his  kings  long  time  had  seen 
That  Ptolemies  and  Pharaohs  called  had  been. 

Established  was  that  kingdom  in  short  while, 
And  grew  so  great,  that  over  Asia's  lands 
And  Lybia's  realms  it  stretched  many  a  mile, 
From  Syria's  coasts  as  far  as  Cirene  sands, 
And  southward  passed  gainst  the  course  of  Nile, 
Through  the  hot  clime  where  burnt  Syene  stands, 
Hence  bounded  in  with  sandy  deserts  waste, 
And  thence  with  Euphrates'  rich  flood  embraced. 

Maremma,  myrrh  and  spices  that  doth  bring, 
And  all  the  rich  red  sea  it  comprehends, 
And  to  those  lands,  toward  the  morning  spring 
That  lie  beyond  that  gulf,  it  far  extends ; 
Great  is  that  empire,  greater  by  the  king 
That  rules  it  now,  whose  worth  the  land  amends, 
And  makes  more  famous,  lord  thereof  by  blood, 
By  wisdom,  valor,  and  all  virtues  good. 

With  Turks  and  Persians  war  he  oft  did  wage, 
And  oft  he  won,  and  sometimes  lost  the  field, 
Nor  could  his  adverse  fortune  aught  assuage 
His  valor's  heat  or  make  his  proud  heart  yield, 
But  when  he  grew  unfit  for  war  through  age, 
He  sheathed  his  sword  and  laid  aside  his  shield: 
But  yet  his  warlike  mind  he  laid  not  down, 
Nor  his  great  thirst  of  rule,  praise  and  renown, 

But  by  his  knights  still  cruel  wars  maintained. 
So  wise  his  words,  so  quick  his  wit  appears, 
That  of  the  kingdom  large  o'er  which  he  reigned, 
The  charge  seemed  not  too  weighty  for  his  years; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  335 

His  greatness  Afric's  lesser  kings  constrained 
To  tremble  at  his  name,  all  Ind  him  fears, 

And  other  realms  that  would  his  friendship  hold ; 

Some  armed  soldiers  sent,  some  gifts,  some  gold. 

This  mighty  prince  assembled  had  the  flower 
Of  all  his  realms,  against  the  Frenchmen  stout, 
To  break  their  rising  empire  and  their  power, 
Nor  of  sure  conquest  had  he  fear  or  doubt : 
To  him  Armida  came,  even  at  the  hour 
When  in  the  plains,  old  Gaza's  walls  without, 
The  lords  and  leaders  all  their  armies  bring 
In  battle-ray,  mustered  before  their  king. 

He  on  his  throne  was  set,  to  which  on  height 
Who  clomb  an  hundred  ivory  stairs  first  told, 
Under  a  pentise  wrought  of  silver  bright, 
And  trod  on  carpets  made  of  silk  and  gold; 
His  robes  were  such  as  best  beseemen  might 
A  king,  so  great,  so  grave,  so  rich,  so  old, 
And  twined  of  sixty  ells  of  lawn  and  more 
A  turban  strange  adorned  his  tresses  hoar. 

His  right  hand  did  his  precious  sceptre  wield, 
His  beard  was  gray,  his  looks  severe  and  grave, 
And  from  his  eyes,  not  yet  made  dim  with  eild, 
Sparkled  his  former  worth  and  vigor  brave, 
His  gestures  all  the  majesty  upheild 
And  state,  as  his  old  age  and  empire  crave, 
So  Phidias  carved,  Apelles  so,  pardie, 
Erst  painted  Jove,  Jove  thundering  down  from  sky. 

On  either  side  him  stood  a  noble  lord, 
Whereof  the  first  held  in  his  upright  hand 
Of  severe  justice  the  unpartial  sword ; 
The  other  bare  the  seal,  and  causes  scanned, 
Keeping  his  folk  in  peace  and  good  accord, 
And  termed  was  lord  chancellor  of  the  land ; 
But  marshal  was  the  first,  and  used  to  lead 
His  armies  forth  to  war,  oft  with  good  speed. 


336  TASSO 

Of  bold  Circassians  with  their  halberts  long, 
About  his  throne  his  guards  stood  in  a  ring, 
All  richly  armed  in  gilden  corslets  strong, 
And  by  their  sides  their  crooked  swords  down  hing ; 
Thus  set,  thus  seated,  his  grave  lords  among, 
His  hosts  and  armies  great  beheld  the  king, 
And  every  band  as  by  his  throne  it  went, 
Their  ensigns  low  inclined,  and  arms  down  bent: 

Their  squadrons  first  the  men  of  Egypt  show, 
In  four  troops,  and  each  his  several  guide, 
Of  the  high  country  two,  two  of  the  low 
Which  Nile  had  won  out  of  the  salt  seaside, 
His  fertile  slime  first  stopped  the  waters'  flow, 
Then  hardened  to  firm  land  the  plough  to  bide, 
So  Egypt  still  increased,  within  far  placed 
That  part  is  now  where  ships  erst  anchor  cast. 

The  foremost  band  the  people  were  that  dwelled 
In  Alexandria's  rich  and  fertile  plain, 
Along  the  western  shore,  whence  Nile  expelled 
The  greedy  billows  of  the  swelling  main ; 
Araspes  was  their  guide,  who  more  excelled 
In  wit  and  craft  than  strength  or  warlike  pain, 
To  place  an  ambush  close,  or  to  devise 
A  treason  false,  was  none  so  sly,  so  wise. 

The  people  next  that  gainst  the  morning  rays 
Along  the  coasts  of  Asia  have  their  seat, 
Arontes  led  them,  whom  no  warlike  praise 
Ennobled,  but  high  birth  and  titles  great, 
His  helm  ne'er  made  him  sweat  in  toilsome  frays, 
Nor  was  his  sleep  e'er  broke  with  trumpet's  threat, 
But  from  soft  ease  to  try  the  toil  of  fight 
His  fond  ambition  brought  this  carpet  knight. 

The  third  seemed  not  a  troop  or  squadron  small, 
But  an  huge  host ;  nor  seemed  it  so  much  grain 
In  Egypt  grew  as  to  sustain  them  all ; 
Yet  from  one  town  thereof  came  all  that  train, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  337 

A  town  in  people  to  huge  shires  equal, 

That  did  a  thousand  streets  and  more  contain, 

Great  Caire  it  hight,  whose  commons  from  each  side 
Came  swarming  out  to  war,  Campson  their  guide. 

Next  under  Gazel  marched  they  that  plough 

The  fertile  lands  above  that  town  which  lie 

Up  to  the  place  where  Nilus  tumbling  low 

Falls  from  his  second  cataract  from  high; 

The  Egyptians  weaponed  were  with  sword  and  bow, 

No  weight  of  helm  or  hauberk  list  they  try, 

And  richly  armed,  in  their  strong  foes  no  dreed 
Of  death  but  great  desire  of  spoil  they  breed. 

The  naked  folk  of  Barca  these  succeed, 
Unarmed  half,  Alarcon  led  that  band, 
That  long  in  deserts  lived,  in  extreme  need, 
On  spoils  and  preys  purchased  by  strength  of  hand. 
To  battle  strong  unfit,  their  king  did  lead 
His  army  next  brought  from  Zumara  land. 
Then  he  of  Tripoli,  for  sudden  fight 
And  skirmish  short,  both  ready,  bold,  and  light. 

Two  captains  next  brought  forth  their  bands  to  show 
Whom  Stony  sent  and  Happy  Araby, 
Which  never  felt  the  cold  of  frost  and  snow, 
Or  force  of  burning  heat,  unless  fame  lie, 
Where  incense  pure  and  all  sweet  odors  grow, 
Where  the  sole  phoenix  doth  revive,  not  die, 
And  midst  the  perfumes  rich  and  flowerets  brave 
Both  birth  and  burial,  cradle  hath  and  grave. 

Their  clothes  not  rich,  their  garments  were  not  gay, 
But  weapons  like  the  Egyptian  troops  they  had, 
The  Arabians  next  that  have  no  certain  stay, 
No  house,  no  home,  no  mansion  good  or  bad, 
But  ever,  as  the  Scythian  hordes  stray, 
From  place  to  place  their  wandering  cities  gad: 
These  have  both  voice  and  stature  feminine, 
Hair  long  and  black,  black  face,  and  fiery  eyue. 


338  TASSO 

Long  Indian  canes,  with  iron  armed,  they  bear, 
And  as  upon  their  nimble  steeds  they  ride, 
Like  a  swift  storm  their  speedy  troops  appear, 
If  winds  so  fast  bring  storms  from  heavens  wide: 
By  Syphax  led  the  first  Arabians  were ; 
Aldine  the  second  squadron  had  no  guide, 
And  Abiazar  proud,  brought  to  the  fight    ' 
The  third,  'a  thief,  a  murderer,  not  a  knight. 

The  islanders  came  then  their  prince  before 
Whose  lands  Arabia's  gulf  enclosed  about, 
Wherein  they  fish  and  gather  oysters  store, 
Whose  shells  great  pearls  rich  and  round  pour  out ; 
The  Red  Sea  sent  with  them  from  his  left  shore, 
Of  negroes  grim  a  black  and  ugly  rout ; 
These  Agricalt  and  those  Osmida  brought, 
A  man  that  set  law,  faith  and  truth  at  naught. 

The  Ethiops  next  which  Meroe  doth  breed, 
That  sweet  and  gentle  isle  of  Meroe, 
'Twixt  Nile  and  Astrabore  that  far  doth  spread, 
Where  two  religions  are,  and  kingdoms  three, 
These  Assimiro  and  Canario  led, 
Both  kings,  both  Pagans,  and  both  subjects  be 
To  the  great  Caliph,  but  the  third  king  kept 
Christ's  sacred  faith,  nor  to  these  wars  outstepped. 

After  two  kings,  both  subjects  also,  ride, 
And  of  two  bands  of  archers  had  the  charge, 
The  first  Soldan  of  Ormus  placed  in  the  wide 
Huge  Persian  Bay,  a  town  rich,  fair,  and  large: 
The  last  of  Bcecan,  which  at  every  tide 
The  sea  cuts  off  from  Persia's  southern  marge, 
And  makes  an  isle ;  but  when  it  ebbs  again, 
The  passage  there  is  sandy,  dry  and  plain. 

Nor  thee,  great  Altamore,  in  her  chaste  bed 
Thy  loving  queen  kept  with  her  dear  embrace, 
She  tore  her  locks,  she  smote  her  breast,  and  shed 
Salt  tears  to  make  thee  stay  in  that  sweet  place, 


JERUSALEM  DELIVERED  339 

"  Seem  the  rough  seas  more  calm,  cruel,"  she  said, 
"  Than  the  mild  looks  of  thy  kind  spouse's  face  ? 

Or  is  thy  shield,  with  blood  and  dust  defiled, 

A  dearer  armful  than  thy  tender  child  ?  " 

This  was  the  mighty  king  of  Samarcand, 
A  captain  wise,  well  skilled  in  feats  of  war, 
In  courage  fierce,  matchless  for  strength  of  hand, 
Great  was  his  praise,  his  force  was  noised  far; 
His  worth  right  well  the  Frenchmen  understand, 
By  whom  his  virtues  feared  and  loved  are : 

His  men  were  armed  with  helms  and  hauberks  strong, 
And  by  their  sides  broad  swords  and  maces  hong. 

Then  from  the  mansions  bright  of  fresh  Aurora 

Adrastus  came,  the  glorious  king  of  Ind, 

A  snake's  green  skin  spotted  with  black  he  wore, 

That  was  made  rich  by  art  and  hard  by  kind, 

An  elephant  this  furious  giant  bore, 

He  fierce  as  fire,  his  mounture  swift  as  wind ; 

Much  people  brought  he  from  his  kingdoms  wide, 
'Twixt  Indus,  Ganges,  and  the  salt  seaside. 

The  king's  own  troop  come  next,  a  chosen  crew, 
Of  all  the  camp  the  strength,  the  crown,  the  flower, 
Wherein  each  soldier  had  with  honors  due 
Rewarded  been,  for  service  ere  that  hour ; 
Their  arms  were  strong  for  need,  and  fair  for  show, 
Upon  fierce  steeds  well  mounted  rode  this  power, 
And  heaven  itself  with  the  clear  splendor  shone 
Of  their  bright  armor,  purple,  gold  and  stone, 

Mongst  these  Alarco  fierce,  and  Odemare  . 
The  muster  master  was,  and  Hidraort, 
And  Rimedon,  whose  rashness  took  no  care 
To  shun  death's  bitter  stroke,  in  field  or  fort, 
Tigranes,  Rapold  stern,  the  men  that  fare 
By  sea,  that  robbed  in  each  creek  and  port, 

Ormond,  and  Marlabust  the  Arabian  named, 

Because  that  land  rebellious  he  reclaimed. 

(Jlaaoics.      V  ol.   35 — P 


340  TASSO 

There  Pirga,  Arimon,  Orindo  are, 
Brimarte  the  sealer,  and  with  him  Suifant 
The  breaker  of  wild  horses  brought  from  far; 
Then  the  great  wresteler  strong  Aridamant, 
And  Tisapherne,  the  thunderbolt  of  war, 
Whom  none  surpassed,  whom  none  to  match  durst  vaunt 
At  tilt,  at  tourney,  or  in  combat  brave, 
With  spear  or  lance,  with  sword,  with  mace  or  glaive. 

A  false  Armenian  did  this  squadron  guide, 
That  in  his  youth  from  Christ's  true  faith  and  light 
To  the  blind  lore  of  Paganism  did  slide, 
That  Clement  late,  now  Emireno,  hight; 
Yet  to  his  king  he  faithful  was,  and  tried 
True  in  all  causes,  his  in  wrong  and  right : 
A  cunning  leader  and  a  soldier  bold, 
For  strength  and  courage,  young ;  for  wisdom,  old. 

When  all  these  regiments  were  passed  and  gone, 
Appeared  Armide,  and  came  her  troop  to  show ; 
Set  in  a  chariot  bright  with  precious  stone, 
Her  gown  tucked  up,  and  in  her  hand  a  bow ; 
In  her  sweet  face  her  new  displeasures  shone, 
Mixed  with  the  native  beauties  there  which  grow, 
And  quickened  so  her  looks  that  in  sharp  wise 
It  seems  she  threats  and  yet  her  threats  entice. 

Her  chariot  like  Aurora's  glorious  wain, 
With  carbuncles  and  jacinths  glistered  round : 
IJer  coachman  guided  with  the  golden  rein 
Four  unicorns,  by  couples  yoked  and  bound ; 
Of  squires  and  lovely  ladies  hundreds  twain, 
Whose  rattling  quivers  at  their  backs  resound, 
On  milk-white  steeds,  wait  on  the  chariot  bright, 
Their  steeds  to  manage,  ready;  swift,  to  flight. 

Followed  her  troop  led  forth  by  Aradin, 
Which  Hidraort  from  Syria's  kingdom  sent, 
As  when  the  new-born  phoenix  doth  begin, 
To  fly  to  Ethiop-ward,  at  the  fair  bent 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  341 

Of  her  rich  wings  strange  plumes  and  feathers  thin 
Her  crowns  and  chains  with  native  gold  besprent, 
The  world  amazed  stands ;  and  with  her  fly 
An  host  of  wondering  birds,  that  sing  and  cry : 

So  passed  Armida,  looked  on,  gazed  on,  so, 
A  wondrous  dame  in  habit,  gesture,  face ; 
There  lived  no  wight  to  love  so  great  a  foe 
But  wished  and  longed  those  beauties  to  embrace, 
Scant  seen,  with  anger  sullen,  sad  for  woe, 
She  conquered  all  the  lords  and  knights  in  place, 
What  would  she  do,  her  sorrows  passed,  think  you, 
When  her  fair  eyes,  her  looks  and  smiles  shall  woo? 

She  passed,  the  king  commanded  Emiren 

Of  his  rich  throne  to  mount  the  lofty  stage, 

To  whom  his  host,  his  army,  and  his  men, 

He  would  commit,  now  in  his  graver  age. 

With  stately  grace  the  man  approached  then; 

His  looks  his  coming  honor  did  presage : 
The  guard  asunder  cleft  and  passage  made, 
He  to  the  throne  up  went,  and  there  he  stayed. 

To  earth  he  cast  his  eyes,  and  bent  his  knee : 
To  whom  the  king  thus  gan  his  will  explain, 
"  To  thee  this  sceptre,  Emiren,  to  thee 
These  armies  I  commit,  my  place  sustain 
'Mongst  them,  go  set  the  king  of  Judah  free, 
And  let  the  Frenchmen  feel  my  just  disdain, 
Go  meet  them,  conquer  them,  leave  none  alive, 
Or  those  that  scape  from  battle,  bring  captive." 

Thus  spake  the  tyrant,  and  the  sceptre  laid 
With  all  his  sovereign  power  upon  the  knight: 
"  I  take  this  sceptre  at  your  hand,"  he  said, 
"  And  with  your  happy  fortune  go  to  fight, 
And  trust,  my  lord,  in  your  great  virtue's  aid 
To  venge  all  Asia's  harms,  her  wrongs  to  right, 

Nor  e'er  but  victor  will  I  see  your  face ; 

Our  overthrow  shall  bring  death,  not  disgrace. 


TASSO 

"  Heavens  grant  if  evil,  yet  no  mishap  I  dread, 
Or  harm  they  threaten  against  this  camp  of  thine, 
That  all  that  mischief  fall  upon  my  head, 
Theirs  be  the  conquest,  and  the  danger  mine; 
And  let  them  safe  bring  home  their  captain  dead, 
Buried  in  pomp  of  triumph's  glorious  shine." 
He  ceased,  and  then  a  murmur  loud  up  went, 
With  noise  of  joy  and  sound  of  instrument. 

Amid  the  noise  and  shout  uprose  the  king, 

Environed  with  many  a  noble  peer 

That  to  his  royal  tent  the  monarch  bring, 

And  there  he  feasted  them  and  made  them  cheer, 

To  him  and  him  he  talked,  and  carved  each  thing, 

The  greatest  honored,  meanest  graced  were ; 

And  while  this  mirth,  this  joy  and  feast  doth  last, 
Armida  found  fit  time  her  nets  to  cast : 

But  when  the  feast  was  done,  she,  that  espied 
All  eyes  on  her  fair  visage  fixed  and  bent, 
And  by  new  notes  and  certain  signs  described, 
How  love's  empoisoned  fire  their  entrails  brent, 
Arose,  and  where  the  king  sate  in  his  pride, 
With  stately  pace  and  humble  gestures,  went ; 
And  as  she  could  in  looks  in  voice  she  strove 
Fierce,  stern,  bold,  angry,  and  severe  to  prove. 

"  Great  Emperor,  behold  me  here,"  she  said, 
"  For  thee,  my  country,  and  my  faith  to  fight, 
A  dame,  a  virgin,  but  a  royal  maid ; 
And  worthy  seems  this  war  a  princess  hight, 
For  by  the  sword  the  sceptre  is  upstayed, 
This  hand  can  use  them  both  with  skill  and  might, 
This  hand  of  mine  can  strike,  and  at  each  blow 
Thy  foes  and  ours  kill,  wound,  and  overthrow. 

"  Nor  yet  suppose  this  is  the  foremost  day 
Wherein  to  war  I  bent  my  noble  thought, 
But  for  the  surety  of  thy  realms,  and  stay 
Of  our  religion  true,  ere  this  I  wrought: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  343 

Yourself  best  know  if  this  be  true  I  say, 
Or  if  my  former  deeds  rejoiced  you  aught, 

When  Godfrey's  hardy  knights  and  princes  strong 

I  captive  took,  and  held  in  bondage  long. 

"  I  took  them,  bound  them,  and  so  sent  them  bound 

To  thee,  a  noble  gift,  with  whom  they  had 

Condemned  low  in  dungeon  under  ground 

Forever  dwelt,  in  woe  and  torment  sad : 

So  might  thine  host  an  easy  way  have  found 

To  end  this  doubtful  war,  with  conquest  glad, 
Had  not  Rinaldo  fierce  my  knights  all  slain, 
And  set  those  lords,  his  friends,  at  large  again. 

"  Rinaldo  is  well  known,"  and  there  a  long 
And  true  rehearsal  made  she  of  his  deeds, 
"  This  is  the  knight  that  since  hath  done  me  wrong, 
Wrong  yet  untold,  that  sharp  revengement  needs: 
Displeasure  therefore,  mixed  with  reason  strong, 
This  thirst  of  war  in  me,  this  courage  breeds ; 

Nor  how  he  injured  me  time  serves  to  tell, 

Let  this  suffice,  I  seek  revengement  fell, 

"  And  will  procure  it,  for  all  shafts  that  fly 
Light  not  in  vain ;  some  work  the  shooter's  will, 
And  Jove's  right  hand  with  thunders  cast  from  sky 
Takes  open  vengeance  oft  for  secret  ill : 
But  if  some  champion  dare  this  knight  defy 
To  mortal  battle,  and  by  fight  him  kill, 
And  with  his  hateful  head  will  me  present, 
That  gift  my  soul  shall  please,  my  heart  content: 

"  So  please,  that  for  reward  enjoy  he  shall, 

The  greatest  gift  I  can  or  may  afford, 

Myself,  my  beauty,  wealth,  and  kingdoms  all, 

To  marry  him,  and  take  him  for  my  lord, 

This  promise  will  I  keep  whate'er  befall, 

And  thereto  bind  myself  by  oath  and  word : 

Now  he  that  deems  this  purchase  worth  his  pain, 
Let  him  step  forth  and  speak,  I  none  disdain." 


344  TASSO 

While  thus  the  princess  said,  his  hungry  eyne 

Adrastus  fed  on  her  sweet  beauty's  light, 

"  The  gods  forbid,"  quoth  he,  "  one  shaft  of  thine 

Should  be  discharged  gainst  that  discourteous  knight, 

His  heart  unworthy  is,  shootress  divine, 

Of  thine  artillery  to  feel  the  might ; 

To  wreak  thine  ire  behold  me  prest  and  fit, 
I  will  his  head  cut  off,  and  bring  thee  it. 

"  I  will  his  heart  with  this  sharp  sword  divide, 
And  to  the  vultures  cast  his  carcass  out." 
Thus  threatened  he,  but  Tisapherne  envied 
To  hear  his  glorious  vaunt  and  boasting  stout, 
And  said,  "  But  who  art  thou,  that  so  great  pride 
Thou  showest  before  the  king,  me,  and  this  rout  ? 
Pardie  here  are  some  such,  whose  worth  exceeds 
Thy  vaunting  much  yet  boast  not  of  their  deeds." 

The  Indian  fierce  replied,  "  I  am  the  man 
Whose  acts  his  words  and  boasts  have  aye  surpassed ; 
But  if  elsewhere  the  words  thou  now  began 
Had  uttered  been,  that  speech  had  been  thy  last." 
Thus  quarrelled  they ;  the  monarch  stayed  them  than, 
And  'twixt  the  angry  knights  his  sceptre  cast : 
Then  to  Armida  said,  "  Fair  Queen,  I  see 
Thy  heart  is  stout,  thy  thoughts  courageous  be ; 

"  Thou  worthy  art  that  their  disdain  and  ire 
At  thy  commands  these  knights  should  both  appease, 
That  gainst  thy  foe  their  courage  hot  as  fire 
Thou  may'st  employ,  both  when  and  where  you  please, 
There  all  their  power  and  force,  and  what  desire 
They  have  to  serve  thee,  may  they  show  at  ease." 
The  monarch  held  his  peace  when  this  was  said, 
And  they  new  proffer  of  their  service  made. 

Nor  they  alone,  but  all  that  famous  were 
In  feats  of  arms  boast  that  he  shall  be  dead, 
All  offer  her  their  aid,  all  say  and  swear, 
To  take  revenge  on  his  condemned  head : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  345 

So  many  arms  moved  she  against  her  dear, 
And  swore  her  darling  under  foot  to  tread, 
But  he,  since  first  the  enchanted  isle  he  left, 
Safe  in  his  barge  the  roaring  waves  still  cleft. 

By  the  same  way  returned  the  well-taught  boat 
By  which  it  came,  and  made  like  haste,  like  speed ; 
The  friendly  wind,  upon  her  sail  that  smote, 
So  turned  as  to  return  her  ship  had  need : 
The  youth  sometimes  the  Pole  or  Bear  did  note, 
Or  wandering  stars  which  clearest  nights  forthspread: 
Sometimes  the  floods,  the  hills,  or  mountains  steep, 
Whose  woody  fronts  o'ershade  the  silent  deep. 

Now  of  the  camp  the  man  the  state  inquires, 
Now  asks  the  customs  strange  of  sundry  lands ; 
And  sailed,  till  clad  in  beams  and  bright  attires 
The  fourth  day's  sun  on  the  eastern  threshold  stands: 
But  when  the  western  seas  had  quenched  those  fires, 
Their  frigate  struck  against  the  shore  and  sands; 
Then  spoke  their  guide,  "  The  land  of  Palestine 
This  is,  here  must  your  journey  end  and  mine." 

The  knights  she  set  upon  the  shore  all  three, 
And  vanished  thence  in  twinkling  of  an  eye, 
Uprose  the  night  in  whose  deep  blackness  be 
All  colors  hid  of  things  in  earth  or  sky, 
Nor  could  they  house,  or  hold,  or  harbor  see, 
Or  in  that  desert  sign  of  dwelling  spy, 

Nor  track  of  man  or  horse,  or  aught  that  might 
Inform  them  of  some  path  or  passage  right. 

When  they  had  mused  what  way  they  travel  should. 
From  the  west  shore  their  steps  at  last  they  twined, 
And  lo,  far  off  at  last  their  eyes  behold 
Something,  they  wist  not  what,  that  clearly  shined 
With  rays  of  silver  and  with  beams  of  gold 
Which  the  dark  folds  of  night's  black  mantle  lined. 
Forward  they  went  and  marched  against  the  light, 
To  see  and  find  the  thing  that  shone  so  bright. 


346  TASSO 

High  on  a  tree  they  saw  an  armor  new, 
That  glistered  bright  gainst  Cynthia's  silver  ray, 
Therein,  like  stars  in  skies,  the  diamonds  show 
Fret  in  the  gilden  helm  and  hauberk  gay, 
The  mighty  shield  all  scored  full  they  view 
Of  pictures  fair,  ranged  in  meet  array ; 
To  keep  them  sate  an  aged  man  beside, 
Who  to  salute  them  rose,  when  them  he  spied. 

The  twain  who  first  were  sent  in  this  pursuit 
Of  their  wise  friend  well  knew  the  aged  face : 
But  when  the  wizard  sage  their  first  salute 
Received  and  quitted  had  with  kind  embrace, 
To  the  young  prince,  that  silent  stood  and  mute, 
He  turned  his  speech,  "  In  this  unused  place 
For  you  alone  I  wait,  my  lord,"  quoth  he, 
"  My  chiefest  care  your  state  and  welfare  be. 

"  For,  though  you  wot  it  not,  I  am  your  friend, 
And  for  your  profit  work,  as  these  can  tell, 
I  taught  them  how  Armida's  charms  to  end, 
And  bring  you  thither  from  love's  hateful  cell, 
Now  to  my  words,  though  sharp  perchance,  attend, 
Nor  be  aggrieved  although  they  seem  too  fell, 
But  keep  them  well  in  mind,  till  in  the  truth 
A  wise  and  holier  man  instruct  thy  youth. 

"  Not  underneath  sweet  shades  and  fountains  shrill, 

Among  the  nymphs,  the  fairies,  leaves  and  flowers ; 

But  on  the  steep,  the  rough  and  craggy  hill 

Of  virtue  stands  this  bliss,  this  good  of  ours : 

By  toil  and  travel,  not  by  sitting  still 

In  pleasure's  lap,  we  come  to  honor's  bowers ; 

Why  will  you  thus  in  sloth's  deep  valley  lie? 

The  royal  eagles  on  high  mountains  fly. 

"  Nature  lifts  up  thy  forehead  to  the  skies, 
And  fills  thy  heart  with  high  and  noble  thought, 
That  thou  to  heavenward  aye  shouldst  lift  thine  eyes, 
And  purchase  fame  by  deeds  well  done  and  wrought ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  347 

She  gives  thee  ire,  by  which  hot  courage  flies 
To  conquests,  not  through  brawls  and  battles  fought 
For  civil  jars,  nor  that  thereby  you  might 
Your  wicked  malice  wreak  and  cursed  spite. 

"  But  that  your  strength  spurred  forth  with  noble  wrath, 
With  greater  fury  might  Christ's  foes  assault, 
And  that  your  bridle  should  with  lesser  scath 
Each  secret  vice,  and  kill  each  inward  fault ; 
For  so  his  godly  anger  ruled  hath 
Each  righteous  man  beneath  heaven's  starry  vault, 
And  at  his  will  makes  it  now  hot,  now  cold, 
Now  lets  it  run,  now  doth  it  fettered  hold." 

Thus  parleyed  he  •  Rinaldo,  hushed  and  still, 
Great  wisdom  heard  in  those  few  words  compiled, 
He  marked  his  speech,  a  purple  blush  did  fill 
His  guilty  cheeks,  down  went  his  eyesight  mild. 
The  hermit  by  his  bashful  looks  his  will 
.Well  understood,  and  said,  "  Look  up,  my  child, 
And  painted  in  this  precious  shield  behold 
The  glorious  deeds  of  thy  forefathers  old. 

"  Thine  elders'  glory  herein  see  and  know, 
In  virtue's  path  how  they  trod  all  their  days, 
Whom  thou  art  far  behind,  a  runner  slow 
In  this  true  course  of  honor,  fame  and  praise : 
Up,  up,  thyself  incite  by  the  fair  show 
Of  knightly  worth  which  this  bright  shield  bewrays, 
That  be  thy  spur  to  praise !  "    At  last  the  knight 
Looked  up,  and  on  those  portraits  bent  his  sight. 

The  cunning  workman  had  in  little  space 
Infinite  shapes  of  men  there  well  expressed, 
For  there  described  was  the  worthy  race 
And  pedigree  of  all  of  the  house  of  Est : 
Come  from  a  Roman  spring  o'er  all  the  place 
Flowed  pure  streams  of  crystals  east  and  west, 
With  laurel  crowned  stood  the  princes  old, 
fTheir  wars  the  hermit  and  their  battles  told. 


348  TASSO 

He  showed  them  Caius  first,  when  first  in  prey 

To  people  strange  the  falling  empire  went, 

First  Prince  of  Est,  that  did  the  sceptre  sway 

O'er  such  as  chose  him  lord  by  free  consent ; 

His  weaker  neighbors  to  his  rule  obey, 

Need  made  them  stoop,  constraint  doth  force  content; 

After,  when  Lord  Honorius  called  the  train 

Of  savage  Goths  into  his  land  again, 

And  when  all  Italy  did  burn  and  flame 
With  bloody  war,  by  this  fierce  people  mad, 
When  Rome  a  captive  and  a  slave  became, 
And  to  be  quite  destroyed  was  most  afraid, 
Aurelius,  to  his  everlasting  fame, 
Preserved  in  peace  the  folk  that  him  obeyed : 
Next  whom  was  Forest,  who  the  rage  withstood 
Of  the  bold  Huns,  and  of  their  tyrant  proud. 

Known  by  his  look  was  Attila  the  fell, 
Whose  dragon  eyes  shone  bright  with  anger's  spark, 
Worse  faced  than  a  dog,  who  viewed  him  well 
Supposed  they  saw  him  grin  and  heard  him  bark; 
But  when  in  single  fight  he  lost  the  bell, 
How  through  his  troops  he  fled  there  might  you  mark, 
And  how  Lord  Forest  after  fortified 
Aquilea's  town,  and  how  for  it  he  died. 

For  there  was  wrought  the  fatal  end  and  fine, 

Both  of  himself  and  of  the  town  he  kept : 

But  his  great  son  renowned  Acarine, 

Into  his  father's  place  and  honor  stepped : 

To  cruel  fate,  not  to  the  Huns,  Altine 

Gave  place,  and  when  time  served  again  forth  leapt, 

And  in  the  vale  of  Po  built  for  his  seat 

Of  many  a  village  a  small  city  great ; 

Against  the  swelling  flood  he  banked  it  strong, 
And  thence  uprose  the  fair  and  noble  town 
Where  they  of  Est  should  by  succession  long 
Command,  and  rule  in  bliss  and  high  renown: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  349 

Gainst  Odoacer  then  he  fought,  but  wrong 
Oft  spoileth  right,  fortune  treads  courage  down, 
For  there  he  died  for  his  dear  country's  sake, 
And  of  his  father's  praise  did  so  partake. 

With  him  died  Alforisio,  Azzo  was 

With  his  dear  brother  into  exile  sent, 

But  homeward  they  in  arms  again  repass — 

The  Herule  king  oppressed — from  banishment. 

His  front  through  pierced  with  a  dart,  alas, 

Next  them,  of  Est  the  Epaminondas  went, 
That  smiling  seemed  to  cruel  death  to  yield, 
When  Totila  was  fled,  and  safe  his  shield. 

Of  Boniface  I  speak;  Valerian, 
His  son,  in  praise  and  power  succeeded  him, 
Who  durst  sustain,  in  years  though  scant  a  man, 
Of  the  proud  Goths  an  hundred  squadrons  trim : 
Then  he  that  gainst  the  Sclaves  much  honor  wan, 
Ernesto,  threatening  stood  with  visage  grim; 
Before  him  Aldoard,  the  Lombard  stout 
Who  from  Monselce  boldly  erst  shut  out. 

There  Henry  was  and  Berengare  the  bold 

That  served  great  Charles  in  his  conquest  high, 

Who  in  each  battle  give  the  onset  would, 

A  hardy  soldier  and  a  captain  sly ; 

After,  Prince  Lewis  did  he  well  uphold 

Against  his  nephew,  King  of  Italy, 

He  won  the  field  and  took  that  king  on  live : 
Next  him  stood  Otho  with  his  children  five. 

Of  Almeric  the  image  next  they  view, 
Lord  Marquis  of  Ferrara  first  create, 
Founder  of  many  churches,  that  upthrew 
His  eyes,  like  one  that  used  to  contemplate; 
Gainst  him  the  second  Azzo  stood  in  rew, 
With  Berengarius  that  did  long  debate, 

Till  after  often  change  of  fortune  stroke, 

He  won,  and  on  all  Italy  laid  the  yoke. 


350  TASSO 

Albert  his  son  the  Germans  warred  among, 
And  there  his  praise  and  fame  was  spread  so  wide, 
That  having  foiled  the  Danes  in  battle  strong, 
His  daughter  young  became  great  Otho's  bride. 
Behind  him  Hugo  stood  with  warfare  long, 
That  broke  the  horn  of  all  the  Romans'  pride, 
Who  of  all  Italy  the  marquis  hight, 
And  Tuscan  whole  possessed  as  his  right. 

After  Tebaldo,  puissant  Boniface 
And  Beatrice  his  dear  possessed  the  stage; 
Nor  was  there  left  heir  male  of  that  great  race, 
To  enjoy  the  sceptre,  state  and  heritage; 
The  Princess  Maud  alone  supplied  the  place, 
Supplied  the  want  in  number,  sex  and  age; 
For  far  above  each  sceptre,  throne  and  crown, 
The  noble  dame  advanced  her  veil  and  gown. 

With  manlike  vigor  shone  her  noble  look, 
And  more  than  manlike  wrath  her  face  o'erspread, 
There  the  fell  Normans,  Guichard  there  forsook 
The  field,  till  then  who  never  feared  nor  fled ; 
Henry  the  Fourth  she  beat,  and  from  him  took 
His  standard,  and  in  Church  it  offered ; 
Which  done,  the  Pope  back  to  the  Vatican 
She  brought,  and  placed  in  Peter's  chair  again. 

As  he  that  honored  her  and  held  her  dear, 
Azzo  the  Fifth  stood  by  her  lovely  side; 
But  the  fourth  Azzo's  offspring  far  and  near 
Spread  forth,  and  through  Germania  fructified; 
Sprung  from  the  branch  did  Guelpho  bold  appear, 
Guelpho  his  son  by  Cunigond  his  bride, 
And  in  Bavaria's  field  transplanted  new 
The  Roman  graft  flourished,  increased  and  grew, 

A  branch  of  Est  there  in  the  Guelfian  tree 
Engrafted  was,  which  of  itself  was  old, 
Whereon  you  might  the  Guelfoes  fairer  see, 
Renew  their  sceptres  and  their  crowns  of  gold, 


35' 

Of  which  Heaven's  good  aspects  so  bended  be 
That  high  and  broad  it  spread  and  flourished  bold, 

Till  underneath  his  glorious  branches  laid 

Half  Germany,  and  all  under  his  shade. 

This  regal  plant  from  his  Italian  rout 
Sprung  up  as  high,  and  blossomed  fair  above, 
Fornenst  Lord  Guelpho,  Bertold  issued  out, 
With  the  sixth  Azzo  whom  all  virtues  love ; 
This  was  the  pedigree  of  worthies  stout, 
Who  seemed  in  that  bright  shield  to  live  and  move. 
Rinaldo  waked  up  and  cheered  his  face, 
To  see  these  worthies  of  his  house  and  race. 

To  do  like  acts  his  courage  wished  and  sought, 
And  with  that  wish  transported  him  so  far 
That  all  those  deeds  which  filled  aye  his  thought, 
Towns  won,  forts  taken,  armies  killed  in  war, 
As  if  they  were  things  done  indeed  and  wrought, 
Before  his  eyes  he  thinks  they  present  are, 
He  hastily  arms  him,  and  with  hope  and  haste, 
Sure  conquest  met,  prevented  and  embraced. 

But  Charles,  who  had  told  the  death  and  fall 
Of  the  young  prince  of  Danes,  his  late  dear  lord, 
Gave  him  the  fatal  weapon,  and  withal, 
"  Young  knight,"  quoth  he, "  take  with  good  luck  this  sword, 
Your  just,  strong,  valiant  hand  in  battle  shall 
Employ  it  long,  for  Christ's  true  faith  and  word, 
And  of  his  former  lord  revenge  the  wrongs, 
Who  loved  you  so,  that  deed  to  you  belongs." 

He  answered,  "  God  for  his  mercy's  sake, 
Grant  that  this  hand  which  holds  this  weapon  good 
For  thy  dear  master  may  sharp  vengeance  take, 
May  cleave  the  Pagan's  heart,  and  shed  his  blood." 
To  this  but  short  reply  did  Charles  make, 
And  thanked  him  much,  nor  more  on  terms  they  stood : 
For  lo,  the  wizard  sage  that  was  their  guide 
On  their  dark  journey  hastes  them  forth  to  ride. 


352  TASSO 

"  High  time  it  is,"  quoth  he,  "  for  you  to  wend 
Where  Godfrey  you  awaits,  and  many  a  knight, 
There  may  we  well  arrive  ere  night  doth  end, 
And  through  this  darkness  can  I  guide  you  right." 
This  said,  up  to  his  coach  they  all  ascend, 
On  his  swift  wheels  forth  rolled  the  chariot  light, 
He  gave  his  coursers  fleet  the  rod  and  rein, 
And  galloped  forth  and  eastward  drove  amain; 

While  silent  so  through  night's  dark  shade  they  fly, 

The  hermit  thus  bespake  the  young  man  stout : 

"  Of  thy  great  house,  thy  race,  thine  offspring  high, 

Here  hast  thou  seen  the  branch,  the  bole,  the  root, 

And  as  these  worthies  born  to  chivalry 

And  deeds  of  arms  it  hath  tofore  brought  out, 

So  is  it,  so  it  shall  be  fertile  still, 

Nor  time  shall  end,  nor  age  that  seed  shall  kill. 

"  Would  God,  as  drawn  from  the  forgetful  lap 
Of  antique  time,  I  have  thine  elders  shown ; 
That  so  I  could  the  catalogue  unwrap 
Of  thy  great  nephews  yet  unborn,  unknown, 
That  ere  this  light  they  view,  their  fate  and  hap 
I  might  foretell,  and  how  their  chance  is  thrown, 
That  like  thine  elders  so  thou  mightst  behold 
Thy  children,  many,  famous,  stout  and  bold. 

"  But  not  by  art  or  skill,  of  things  future 
Can  the  plain  truth  revealed  be  and  told, 
Although  some  knowledge  doubtful,  dark,  obscure 
We  have  of  coming  haps  in  clouds  uprolled ; 
Nor  all  which  in  this  cause  I  know  for  sure 
Dare  I  foretell :  for  of  that  father  old, 
The  hermit  Peter,  learned  I  much,  and  he 
Withouten  veil  heaven's  secrets  great  doth  see. 

"  But  this,  to  him  revealed  by  grace  divine, 
By  him  to  me  declared,  to  thee  I  say, 
Was  never  race  Greek,  barbarous,  or  Latine, 
Great  in  times  past,  or  famous  at  this  day, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  353 

Richer  in  hardy  knights  than  this  of  thine ; 

Such  blessings  Heaven  shall  on  thy  children  lay 
That  they  in  fame  shall  pass,  in  praise  o'ercome, 
The  worthies  old  of  Sparta,  Carthage,  Rome. 

"  But  mongst  the  rest  I  chose  Alphonsus  bold, 
In  virtue  first,  second  in  place  and  name, 
He  shall  be  born  when  this  frail  world  grows  old, 
Corrupted,  poor,  and  bare  of  men  of  fame, 
Better  than  he  none  shall,  none  can,  or  could, 
The  sword  or  sceptre  use  or  guide  the  same, 
To  rule  in  peace  or  to  command  in  fight, 
Thine  offspring's  glory  and  thy  house's  light. 

"  His  younger  age  foretokens  true  shall  yield 
Of  future  valor,  puissance,  force  and  might, 
From  him  no  rock  the  savage  beast  shall  shield ; 
At  tilt  or  tourney  match  him  shall  no  knight: 
After,  he  conquer  shall  in  pitched  field 
Great  armies  and  win  spoils  in  single  fight, 
And  on  his  locks,  rewards  for  knightly  praise, 
Shall  garlands  wear  of  grass,  of  oak,  of  bays. 

"  His  graver  age,  as  well  that  eild  it  fits, 
Shall  happy  peace  preserve  and  quiet  blest, 
And  from  his  neighbors  strong  mongst  whom  he  sits     - 
Shall  keep  his  cities  safe  in  wealth  and  rest, 
Shall  nourish  arts  and  cherish  pregnant  wits, 
Make  triumphs  great,  and  feast  his  subjects  best, 
Reward  the  good,  the  evil  with  pains  torment, 
Shall  dangers  all  foresee,  and  seen,  prevent. 

"  But  if  it  hap  against  those  wicked  bands 
That  sea  and  earth  invest  with  blood  and  war, 
And  in  these  wretched  times  to  noble  lands 
Give  laws  of  peace  false  and  unjust  that  are, 
That  he  be  sent,  to  drive  their  guilty  hands 
From  Christ's  pure  altars  and  high  temples  far, 
Oh,  what  revenge,  what  vengeance  shall  he  bring 
On  that  false  sect,  and  their  accursed  king! 


354  TASSO 

"  Too  late  the  Moors,  too  late  the  Turkish  king, 
Gainst  him  should  arm  their  troops  and  Legions  bold 
For  he  beyond  great  Euphrates  should  bring, 
Beyond  the  frozen  tops  of  Taurus  cold, 
Beyond  the  land  where  is  perpetual  spring, 
The  cross,  the  eagle  white,  the  lily  of  gold, 
And  by  baptizing  of  the  Ethiops  brown 
Of  aged  Nile  reveal  the  springs  unknown/" 

Thus  said  the  hermit,  and  his  prophecy 
The  prince  accepted  with  content  and  pleasure, 
The  secret  thought  of  his  posterity 
Of  his  concealed  joys  heaped  up  the  measure. 
Meanwhile  the  morning  bright  was  mounted  high, 
And  changed  Heaven's  silver  wealth  to  golden  treasure, 
And  high  above  the  Christian  tents  they  view 
How  the  broad  ensigns  trembled,  waved  and  blew, 

When  thus  again  their  leader  sage  begun, 
"  See  how  bright  Phcebus  clears  the  darksome  skies, 
See  how  with  gentle  beams  the  friendly  sun 
The  tents,  the  towns,  the  hills  and  dales  descries, 
Through  my  well  guiding  is  your  voyage  done, 
From  danger  safe  in  travel  oft  which  lies, 
Hence  without  fear  of  harm  or  doubt  of  foe 
March  to  the  camp,  I  may  no  nearer  go." 

Thus  took  he  leave,  and  made  a  quick  return, 
And  forward  went  the  champions  three  on  foot, 
And  marching  right  against  the  rising  morn 
A  ready  passage  to  the  camp  found  out, 
Meanwhile  had  speedy  fame  the  tidings  borne 
That  to  the  tents  approached  these  barons  stout, 
And  starting  from  his  throne  and  kingly  seat 
To  entertain  them,  rose  Godfredo  great. 


EIGHTEENTH  BOOK 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

The  charms  and  spirits  false  therein  which  lie 

Rinaldo  chaseth  from  the  forest  old; 

The  host  of  Egypt  comes;  Vafrin  the  spy 

Entereth  their  camp,  stout,  crafty,  wise  and  bold; 

Sharp  is  the  fight  about  the  bulwarks  high 

And  ports  of  Zion,  to  assault  the  hold: 

Godfrey  hath  aid  from  Heaven,  by  force  the  town 
Is  won,  the  Pagans  slain,  walls  beaten  down. 

ARRIVED  where  Godfrey  to  embrace  him  stood, 
"  My  sovereign  lord,"  Rinaldo  meekly  said, 
"  To  venge  my  wrongs  against  Gernando  proud 
My  honor's  care  provoked  my  wrath  unstayed ; 
But  that  I  you  displeased,  my  chieftain  good, 
My  thoughts  yet  grieve,  my  heart  is  still  dismayed, 
And  here  I  come,  prest  all  exploits  to  try 
To  make  me  gracious  in  your  gracious  eye." 

To  him  that  kneeled,  folding  his  friendly  arms 
About  his  neck,  the  duke  this  answer  gave : 
"  Let  pass  such  speeches  sad,  of  passed  harms. 
Remembrance  is  the  life  of  grief;  his  grave, 
Forgetfulness ;  and  for  amends,  in  arms 
Your  wonted  valor  use  and  courage  brave ; 
For  you  alone  to  happy  end  must  bring 
The  strong  enchantments  of  the  charmed  spring. 

"  That  aged  wood  whence  heretofore  we  got, 
To  build  our  scaling  engines,  timber  fit, 
Is  now  the  fearful  seat,  but  how  none  wot, 
Where  ugly  fiends  and  damned  spirits  sit ; 
To  cut  one  twist  thereof  adventureth  not 
The  boldest  knight  we  have,  nor  without  it 
This  wall  can  battered  be :  where  others  doubt 
There  venture  thou,  and  show  thy  courage  stout." 
355 


356  TASSO 

Thus  said  he,  and  the  knight  in  speeches  few 
Proffered  his  service  to  attempt  the  tiling, 
To  hard  assays  his  courage  willing  flew, 
To  him  praise  was  no  spur,  words  were  no  sting  r 
Of  his  dear  friends  then  he  embraced  the  crew 
To  welcome  him  which  came ;  for  in  a  ring 
About  him  Guelpho,  Tancred  and  the  rest 
Stood,  of  the  camp  the  greatest,  chief  and  best. 

When  with  the  prince  these  lords  had  iterate 
Their  welcomes  oft,  and  oft  their  dear  embrace, 
Toward  the  rest  of  lesser  worth  and  state, 
He  turned,  and  them  received  with  gentle  grace ; 
The  merry  soldiers  bout  him  shout  and  prate, 
With  cries  as  joyful  and  as  cheerful  face 
As  if  in  triumph's  chariot  bright  as  sun, 
He  had  returned  Afric  or  Asia  won. 

Thus  marched  to  his  tent  the  champion  good, 
And  there  sat  down  with  all  his  friends  around ; 
Now  of  the  war  he  asked,  now  of  the  wood, 
And  answered  each  demand  they  list  propound ; 
But  when  they  left  him  to  his  ease,  up  stood 
The  hermit,  and,  fit  time  to  speak  once  found, 

"  My  lord,"  he  said,  "  your  travels  wondrous  are, 
Far  have  you  strayed,  erred,  wandered  far. 

"  Much  are  you  bound  to  God  above,  who  brought 
You  safe  from  false  Armida's  charmed  hold, 
And  thee  a  straying  sheep  whom  once  he  bought 
Hath  now  again  reduced  to  his  fold, 
And  gainst  his  heathen  foes  these  men  of  naught 
Hath  chosen  thee  in  place  next  Godfrey  bold ; 
Yet  mayest  thou  not,  polluted  thus  with  sin, 
In  his  high  service  war  or  fight  begin. 

"  The  world,  the  flesh,  with  their  infection  vile 
Pollute  the  thoughts  impure,  thy  spirit  stain ; 
Not  Po,  not  Ganges,  not  seven-mouthed  Nile, 
Not  the  wide  seas,  can  wash  thee  clean  again, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  357 

Only  to  purge  all  faults  which  thee  defile 
His  blood  hath  power  who  for  thy  sins  was  slain : 
His  help  therefore  invoke,  to  him  bewray 
Thy  secret  faults,  mourn,  weep,  complain  and  pray." 

This  said,  the  knight  first  with  the  witch  unchaste 

His  idle  loves  and  follies  vain  lamented ; 

Then  kneeling  low  with  heavy  looks  downcast, 

His  other  sins  confessed  and  all  repented, 

And  meekly  pardon  craved  for  first  and  last. 

The  hermit  with  his  zeal  was  well  contented, 
And  said,  "  On  yonder  hill  next  morn  go  pray 
That  turns  his  forehead  gainst  the  morning  ray. 

"  That  done,  march  to  the  wood,  whence  each  one  brings 
Such  news  of  furies,  goblins,  fiends,  and  sprites, 
The  giants,  monsters,  and  all  dreadful  things 
Thou  shalt  subdue,  which  that  dark  grove  unites: 
Let  no  strange  voice  that  mourns  or  sweetly  sings, 
Nor  beauty,  whose  glad  smile  frail  hearts  delights, 
Within  thy  breast  make  ruth  or  pity  rise, 
But  their  false  looks  and  prayers  false  despise." 

Thus  he  advised  him,  and  the  hardy  knight 

Prepared  him  gladly  to  this  enterprise, 

Thoughtful  he  passed  the  day,  and  sad  the  night ; 

And  ere  the  silver  morn  began  to  rise, 

His  arms  he  took,  and  in  a  coat  him  dight 

Of  color  strange,  cut  in  the  warlike  guise ; 
And  on  his  way  sole,  silent,  forth  he  went 
Alone,  and  left  his  friends,  and  left  his  tent. 

It  was  the  time  when  gainst  the  breaking  day 
Rebellious  night  yet  strove,  and  still  repined, 
For  in  the  east  appeared  the  morning  gray 
And  yet  some  lamps  in  Jove's  high  palace  shined, 
When  to  Mount  Olivet  he  took  his  way, 
And  saw,  as  round  about  his  eyes  he  twined, 
Night's  shadows  hence,  from  thence  the  morning's  shine, 
This  bright,  that  dark;  that  earthly,  this  divine. 


3S8  TASSO 

Thus  to  himself  he  thought,  how  many  bright 
And  splendent  lamps  shine  in  heaven's  temple  high, 
Day  hath  his  golden  sun,  her  moon  the  night, 
Her  fixed  and  wandering  stars  the  azure  sky, 
So  framed  all  by  their  Creator's  might 
That  still  they  live  and  shine,  and  ne'er  shall  die 
Till,  in  a  moment,  with  the  last  day's  brand 
They  burn,  and  with  them  burn  sea,  air,  and  land. 

Thus  as  he  mused,  to  the  top  he  went, 
And  there  kneeled  down  with  reverence  and  fear, 
His  eyes  upon  heaven's  eastern  face  he  bent, 
His  thoughts  above  all  heavens  uplifted  were : 
"  The  sins  and  errors,  which  I  now  repent, 
Of  mine  unbridled  youth,  O  Father  dear, 
Remember  not,  but  let  thy  mercy  fall, 
And  purge  my  faults  and  mine  offences  all." 

Thus  prayed  he,  with  purple  wings  upflew 
In  golden  weed  the  morning's  lusty  queen, 
Begilding  with  the  radiant  beams  she  threw 
His  helm,  his  harness,  and  the  mountain  green; 
Upon  his  breast  and  forehead  gently  blew 
The  air,  that  balm  and  nardus  breathed  unseen, 
And  o'er  his  head  let  down  from  clearest  skies 
A  cloud  of  pure  and  precious  dew  there  flies. 

The  heavenly  dew  was  on  his  garments  spread, 
To  which  compared,  his  clothes  pale  ashes  seem, 
And  sprinkled  so,  that  all  that  paleness  fled 
And  thence,  of  purest  white,  bright  rays  outstream ; 
So  cheered  are  the  flowers  late  withered 
With  the  sweet  comfort  of  the  morning  beam, 
And  so,  returned  to  youth,  a  serpent  old 
Adorns  herself  in  new  and  native  gold. 

The  lovely  whiteness  of  his  changed  weed, 
The  Prince  perceived  well,  and  long  admired; 
Toward  the  forest  marched  he  on  with  speed, 
Resolved,  as  such  adventures  great  required; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  359 

Thither  he  came  whence  shrinking  back  for  dread 
Of  that  strange  desert's  sight  the  first  retired, 
But  not  to  him  fearful  or  loathsome  made 
That  forest  was,  but  sweet  with  pleasant  shade: 

Forward  he  passed,  and  in  the  grove  before 
He  heard  a  sound  that  strange,  sweet,  pleasing  was; 
There  rolled  a  crystal  brook  with  gentle  roar, 
There  sighed  the  winds  as  through  the  leaves  they  pass, 
There  did  the  nightingale  her  wrongs  deplore, 
There  sung  the  swan,  and  singing  died,  alas ! 
There  lute,  harp,  cittern,  human  voice  he  heard, 
And  all  these  sounds  one  sound  right  well  declared. 

A  dreadful  thunder-clap  at  last  he  heard, 
The  aged  trees  and  plants  well-nigh  that  rent ; 
Yet  heard  the  nymphs  and  sirens  afterward, 
Birds,  winds,  and  waters,  sing  with  sweet  consent: 
Whereat  amazed  he  stayed,  and  well  prepared 
For  his  defence,  heedful  and  slow  forth  went: 

Nor  in  his  way  his  passage  aught  withstood, 

Except  a  quiet,  still,  transparent  flood. 

On  the  green  banks  which  that  fair  stream  inbound, 
Flowers  and  odors  sweetly  smiled  and  smelled, 
Which  reaching  out  his  stretched  arms  around, 
All  the  large  desert  in  his  bosom  held, 
And  through  the  grove  one  channel  passage  found ; 
That  in  the  wood ;  in  that,  the  forest  dwelled : 
Trees  clad  the  streams ;  streams  green  those  trees  aye  made 
And  so  exchanged  their  moisture  and  their  shade. 

The  knight  some  way  sought  out  the  flood  to  pass, 
And  as  he  sought,  a  wondrous  bridge  appeared, 
A  bridge  of  gold,  a  huge  and  weighty  mass, 
On  arches  great  of  that  rich  metal  reared ; 
When  through  that  golden  way  he  entered  was, 
Down  fell  the  bridge,  swelled  the  stream,  and  weared 

The  work  away,  nor  sign  left  where  it  stood, 

And  of  a  river  calm  became  a  flood. 


360  TASSO 

He  turned,  amazed  to  see  it  troubled  so, 
Like  sudden  brooks  increased  with  molten  snow, 
The  billows  fierce  that  tossed  to  and  fro, 
The  whirlpools  sucked  down  to  their  bosoms  low; 
But  on  he  went  to  search  for  wonders  mo, 
Through  the  thick  trees  there  high  and  broad  which  grow, 
And  in  that  forest  huge  and  desert  wide, 
The  more  he  sought,  more  wonders  still  he  spied. 

Whereso  he  stepped,  it  seemed  the  joyful  ground 
Renewed  the  verdure  of  her  flowery  weed, 
A  fountain  here,  a  wellspring  there  he  found; 
Here  bud  the  roses,  there  the  lilies  spread 
The  aged  wood  o'er  and  about  him  round 
Flourished  with  blossoms  new,  new  leaves,  new  seed, 
And  on  the  boughs  and  branches  of  those  treen, 
The  bark  was  softened,  and  renewed  the  green. 

The  manna  on  each  leaf  did  pearled  lie, 
The  honey  stilled  from  the  tender  rind ; 
Again  he  heard  that  wondrous  harmony, 
Of  songs  and  sweet  complaints  of  lovers  kind, 
The  human  voices  sung  a  triple  high, 
To  which  respond  the  birds,  the  streams,  the  wind, 
But  yet  unseen  those  nymphs,  those  singers  were, 
Unseen  the  lutes,  harps,  viols  which  they  bear. 

He  looked,  he  listened,  yet  his  thoughts  denied 
To  think  that  true  which  he  both  heard  and  see, 
A  myrtle  in  an  ample  plain  he  spied, 
And  thither  by  a  beaten  path  went  he: 
The  myrtle  spread  her  mighty  branches  wide, 
Higher  than  pine  or  palm  or  cypress  tree: 
And  far  above  all  other  plants  was  seen 
That  forest's  lady  and  that  desert's  queen. 

Upon  the  trees  his  eyes  Rinaldo  bent, 
And  there  a  marvel  great  and  strange  began; 
An  aged  oak  beside  him  cleft  and  rent, 
And  from  his  fertile  hollow  womb  forth  ran, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  361 

Clad  in  rare  weeds  and  strange  habiliment, 

A  nymph,  for  age  able  to  go  to  man, 

An  hundred  plants  beside,  even  in  his  sight, 
Childed  an  hundred  nymphs,  so  great,  so  dight. 

Such  as  on  stages  play,  such  as  we  see 

The  Dryads  painted  whom  wild  Satyrs  love, 

Whose  arms  half-naked,  locks  untrussed  be, 

With  buskins  laced  on  their  legs  above, 

And  silken  robes  tucked  short  above  their  knee; 

Such  seemed  the  sylvan  daughters  of  this  grove, 

Save  that  instead  of  shafts  and  boughs  of  tree, 

She  bore  a  lute,  a  harp,  or  cittern  she. 

And  wantonly  they  cast  them  in  a  ring, 
And  sung  and  danced  to  move  his  weaker  sense, 
Rinaldo  round  about  environing, 
As  centres  are  with  their  circumference; 
The  tree  they  compassed  eke,  and  gan  to  sing, 
That  woods  and  streams  admired  their  excellence; 
"  Welcome,  dear  lord,  welcome  to  this  sweet  grove, 
Welcome  our  lady's  hope,  welcome  her  love. 

"  Thou  com'st  to  cure  our  princess,  faint  and  sick 
For  love,  for  love  of  thee,  faint,  sick,  distressed; 
Late  black,  late  dreadful  was  this  forest  thick, 
Fit  dwelling  for  sad  folk  with  grief  oppressed, 
See  with  thy  coming  how  the  branches  quick 
Revived  are,  and  in  new  blosoms  dressed:" 
This  was  their  song,  and  after,  from  it  went 
First  a  sweet  sound,  and  then  the  myrtle  rent. 

If  antique  times  admired  Silenus  old 
That  oft  appeared  set  on  his  lazy  ass, 
How  would  they  wonder  if  they  had  behold 
Such  sights  as  from  the  myrtle  high  did  pass? 
Thence  came  a  lady  fair  with  locks  of  gold, 
That  like  in  shape,  in  face  and  beauty  was 
To  sweet  Armide;   Rinaldo  thinks  he  spies 
Her  gestures,  smiles,  and  glances  of  her  eyes. 


362  TASSO 

On  him  a  sad  and  smiling  look  she  cast, 
Which  twenty  passions  strange  at  once  bewrays: 
"  And  art  thou  come,"  quoth  she,  "  returned  at  last 
To  her  from  whom  but  late  thou  ran'st  thy  ways? 
Com'st  thou  to  comfort  me  for  sorrows  past  ? 
To  ease  my  widow  nights  and  careful  days? 

Or  comest  thou  to  work  me  grief  and  harm  ? 

Why  nilt  thou  speak? — why  not  thy  face  disarm? 

"  Com'st  thou  a  friend  or  foe  ?    I  did  not  frame 
That  golden  bridge  to  entertain  my  foe, 
Nor  opened  flowers  and  fountains  as  you  came, 
To  welcome  him  with  joy  that  brings  me  woe: 
Put  off  thy  helm,  rejoice  me  with  the  flame 
Of  thy  bright  eyes,  whence  first  my  fires  did  grow. 
Kiss  me,  embrace  me,  if  you  further  venture, 
Love  keeps  the  gate,  the  fort  is  eath  to  enter." 

Thus  as  she  woos  she  rolls  her  rueful  eyes 
With  piteous  look,  and  changeth  oft  her  cheer, 
An  hundred  sighs  from  her  false  heart  upflies, 
She  sobs,  she  mourns,  it  is  great  ruth  to  hear; 
The  hardest  breast  sweet  pity  mollifies, 
What  stony  heart  resists  a  woman's  tear? 
But  yet  the  knight,  wise,  wary,  not  unkind, 
Drew  forth  his  sword  and  from  her  careless  twined. 

Toward  the  tree  he  marched,  she  thither  start, 

Before  him  stepped,  embraced  the  plant  and  cried, 

"  Ah,  never  do  me  such  a  spiteful  part, 

To  cut  my  tree,  this  forest's  joy  and  pride, 

Put  up  thy  sword,  else  pierce  therewith  the  heart 

Of  thy  forsaken  and  despised  Armide ; 

For  through  this  breast,  and  through  this  heart  unkind 
To  this  fair  tree  thy  sword  shall  passage  find." 

He  lift  his  brand,  nor  cared  though  oft  she  prayed, 
And  she  her  form  to  other  shape  did  change ; 
Such  monsters  huge  when  men  in  dreams  are  laid 
Oft  in  their  idle  fancies  roam  and  range : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  363 

Her  body  swelled,  her  face  obscure  was  made, 
Vanished  her  garments  rich,  and  vestures  strange, 
A  giantess  before  him  high  she  stands, 
Like  Briareus  armed  with  an  hundred  hands. 

With  fifty  swords,  and  fifty  targets  bright, 
She  threatened  death,  she  roared,  cried  and  fought, 
Each  other  nymph  in  armor  likewise  dight, 
A  Cyclops  great  became :  he  feared  them  naught, 
But  on  the  myrtle  smote  with  all  his  might, 
That  groaned  like  living  souls  to  death  nigh  brought, 
The  sky  seemed  Pluto's  court,  the  air  seemed  hell, 
Therein  such  monsters  roar,  such  spirits  yell. 

Lightened  the  heavens  above,  the  earth  below 
Roared  loud,  that  thundered,  and  this  shook ; 
Blustered  the  tempests  strong,  the  whirlwinds  blow, 
The  bitter  storm  drove  hailstones  in  his  look ; 
But  yet  his  arm  grew  neither  weak  nor  slow, 
Nor  of  that  fury  heed  or  care  he  took, 

Till  low  to  earth  the  wounded  tree  down  bended ; 

Then  fled  the  spirits  all,  the  charms  all  ended. 

The  heavens  grew  clear,  the  air  waxed  calm  and  still, 
The  wood  returned  to  his  wonted  state, 
Of  withcrafts  free,  quite  void  of  spirits  ill; 
Of  horror  full,  but  horror  there  innate ; 
He  further  proved  if  aught  withstood  his  will 
To  cut  those  trees  as  did  the  charms  of  late, 
And  finding  naught  to  stop  him,  smiled,  and  said, 
"  O  shadows  vain !    O  fools,  of  shades  afraid !  " 

From  thence  home  to  the  campward  turned  the  knight, 
The  hermit  cried,  upstarting  from  his  seat, 
"  Now  of  the  wood  the  charms  have  lost  their  might, 
The  sprites  are  conquered,  ended  is  the  feat, 
See  where  he  comes !  "    In  glistering  white  all  dight 
Appeared  the  man,  bold,  stately,  high  and  great, 
His  eagle's  silver  wings  to  shine  begun 
With  wondrous  splendor  gainst  the  golden  sun. 

Classics.      Vol.    35— Q 


364  TASSO 

The  camp  received  him  with  a  joyful  cry, 
A  cry  the  dales  and  hills  about  that  filled; 
Then  Godfrey  welcomed  him  with  honors  high, 
His  glory  quenched  all  spite,  all  envy  killed : 
"  To  yonder  dreadful  grove,"  quoth  he,  "  went  I, 
And  from  the  fearful  wood,  as  me  you  willed, 
Have  driven  the  sprites  away,  thither  let  be 
Your  people  sent,  the  way  is  safe  and  free." 

Sent  were  the  workmen  thither,  thence  they  brought 

Timber  enough,  by  good  advice  select, 

And  though  by  skilless  builders  framed  and  wrought 

Their  engines  rude  and  rams  were  late  elect, 

Yet  now  the  forts  and  towers  from  whence  they  fought 

Were  framed  by  a  cunning  architect, 

William,  of  all  the  Genoese  lord  and  guide, 
Which  late  ruled  all  the  seas  from  side  to  side; 

But  forced  to  retire  from  him  at  last, 
The  Pagan  fleet  the  seas  moist  empire  won, 
His  men  with  all  their  stuff  and  store  in  haste 
Home  to  the  camp  with  their  commander  run, 
In  skill,  in  wit,  in  cunning  him  surpassed 
Yet  never  engineer  beneath  the  sun, 

Of  carpenters  an  hundred  large  he  brought, 
That  what  their  lord  devised  made  and  wrought. 

This  man  began  with  wondrous  art  to  make, 
Not  rams,  not  mighty  brakes,  not  slings  alone, 
Wherewith  the  firm  and  solid  walls  to  shake, 
To  cast  a  dart,  or  throw  a  shait  or  stone ; 
But  framed  of  pines  and  firs,  did  undertake 
To  build  a  fortress  huge,  to  which  was  none 
Yet  ever  like,  whereof  he  clothed  the  sides 
Against  the  balls  of  fire  with  raw  bull's  hides. 

In  mortices  and  sockets  framed  just, 

The  beams,  the  studs  and  puncheons  joined  he  fast ; 

To  beat  the  city's  wall,  beneath  forth  brust 

A  ram  with  horned  front,  about  her  waist 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  365 

A  bridge  the  engine  from  her  side  out  thrust, 
Which  on  the  wall  when  need  required  she  cast ; 
And  from  her  top  a  turret  small  up  stood, 
Strong,  surely  armed,  and  builded  of  like  wood. 

Set  on  an  hundred  wheels  the  rolling  mass, 
On  the  smooth  lands  went  nimbly  up  and  down, 
Though  full  of  arms  and  armed  men  it  was, 
Yet  with  small  pains  it  ran,  as  it  had  flown ; 
Wondered  the  camp  so  quick  to  see  it  pass, 
They  praised  the  workmen  and  their  skill  unknown, 
And  on  that  day  two  towers  they  builded  more, 
Like  that  which  sweet  Clorinda  burned  before. 

Yet  wholly  were  not  from  the  Saracines 
Their  works  concealed  and  their  labors  hid, 
Upon  that  wall  which  next  the  camp  confines 
They  placed  spies,  who  marked  all  they  did : 
They  saw  the  ashes  wild  and  squared  pines, 
How  to  the  tents,  trailed  from  the  grove,  they  slid : 
And  engines  huge  they  saw,  yet  could  not  tell 
How  they  were  built,  their  forms  they  saw  not  well. 

Their  engines  eke  they  reared,  and  with  great  art 
Repaired  each  bulwark,  turret,  port  and  tower, 
And  fortified  the  plain  and  easy  part, 
To  bide  the  storm  of  every  warlike  stoure, 
Till  as  they  thought  no  sleight  or  force  of  Mart 
To  undermine  or  scale  the  same  had  power ; 
And  false  Ismeno  gan  new  balls  prepare 
Of  wicked  fire,  wild,  wondrous,  strange  and  rare. 

He  mingled  brimstone  with  bitumen  fell 
Fetched  from  that  lake  where  Sodom  erst  did  sink, 
And  from  that  flood  which  nine  times  compassed  hell 
Some  of  the  liquor  hot  he  brought,  I  think, 
Wherewith  the  quenchless  fire  he  tempered  well, 
To  make  it  smoke  and  flame  and  deadly  stink : 
And  for  his  wood  cut  down,  the  aged  sire 
Would  thus  revengement  take  with  flame  and  fire. 


366  TASSO 

While  thus  the  camp,  and  thus  the  town  were  bent. 
These  to  assault,  these  to  defend  the  wall, 
A  speedy  dove  through  the  clear  welkin  went, 
Straight  o'er  the  tents,  seen  by  the  soldiers  all ; 
With  nimble  fans  the  yielding  air  she  rent, 
Nor  seemed  it  that  she  would  alight  or  fall, 
Till  she  arrived  near  that  besieged  town, 
Then  from  the  clouds  at  last  she  stooped  down : 

But  lo,  from  whence  I  nolt,  a  falcon  came, 
Armed  with  crooked  bill  and  talons  long, 
And  'twixt  the  camp  and  city  crossed  her  game, 
That  durst  nor  bide  her  foe's  encounter  strong; 
But  right  upon  the  royal  tent  down  came, 
And  there,  the  lords  and  princes  great  among, 
When  the  sharp  hawk  nigh  touched  her  tender  head 
In  Godfrey's  lap  she  fell,  with  fear  half  dead : 

The  duke  received  her,  saved  her,  and  spied, 
As  he  beheld  the  bird,  a  wondrous  thing, 
About  her  neck  a  letter  close  was  tied, 
By  a  small  thread,  and  thrust  under  her  wing, 
He  loosed  forth  the  writ  and  spread  it  wide, 
And  read  the  intent  thereof,  "  To  Judah's  king," 
Thus  said  the  schedule,  "  honors  high  increase, 
The  Egyptian  chieftain  wisheth  health  and  peace: 

"  Fear  not,  renowned  prince,  resist,  endure 
Till  the  third  day,  or  till  the  fourth  at  most, 
I  come,  and  your  deliverance  will  procure, 
And  kill  your  coward  foes  and  all  their  host." 
This  secret  in  that  brief  was  closed  up  sure, 
Writ  in  strange  language,  to  the  winged  post 
Given  to  transport ;  for  in  their  warlike  need 
The  east  such  message  used,  oft  with  good  speed. 

The  duke  let  go  the  captive  dove  at  large, 
And  she  that  had  his  counsel  close  betrayed, 
Traitress  to  her  great  Lord,  touched  not  the  murgie 
Of  Salem's  town,  but  fled  far  thence  afraid. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  367 

The  duke  before  all  those  which  had  or  charge 
Or  office  high,  the  letter  read,  and  said : 

"  See  how  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  foreshows 

The  secret  purpose  of  our  crafty  foes. 

"  No  longer  then  let  us  protract  the  time, 
But  scale  the  bulwark  of  this  fortress  high, 
Through  sweat  and  labor  gainst  those  rocks  sublime 
Let  us  ascend,  which  to  the  southward  lie; 
Hard  will  it  be  that  way  in  arms  to  climb, 
But  yet  the  place  and  passage  both  know  I, 
And  that  high  wall  by  site  strong  on  that  part, 
Is  least  defenced  by  arms,  by  work  and  art. 

"  Thou,  Raymond,  on  this  side  with  all  thy  might 
Assault  the  wall,  and  by  those  crags  ascend, 
My  squadrons  with  mine  engines  huge  shall  fight 
And  gainst  the  northern  gate  my  puissance  bend, 
That  so  our  foes,  beguiled  with  the  sight, 
Our  greatest  force  and  power  shall  there  attend, 

While  my  great  tower  from  thence  shall  nimbly  slide, 
And  batter  down  some  worse  defended  side; 

"  Camillo,  thou  not  far  from  me  shalt  rear 
Another  tower,  close. to  the  walls  ybrought." 
This  spoken,  Raymond  old,  that  sate  him  near, 
And  while  he  talked  great  things  tossed  in  his  thought, 
Said,  "  To  Godfredo's  counsel,  given  us  here, 
Naught  can  be  added,  from  it  taken  naught : 
Yet  this  I  further  wish,  that  some  were  sent 
To  spy  their  camp,  their  secret  and  intent, 

"  That  may  their  number  and  their  squadrons  brave 

Describe,  and  through  their  tents  disguised  mask." 

Quoth  Tancred,  "  Lo,  a  subtle  squire  I  have, 

A  person  fit  to  undertake  this  task, 

A  man  quick,  ready,  bold,  sly  to  deceive, 

To  answer,  wise,  and  well  advised  to  ask; 

Well  languaged,  and  that  with  time  and  place, 
Can  change  his  look,  his  voice,  his  gait,  his  grace." 


368  TASSO 

Sent  for,  he  came,  and  when  his  lord  him  told 
What  Godfrey's  pleasure  was  and  what  his  own, 
He  smiled  and  said  forthwith  he  gladly  would. 
"  I  go,"  quoth  he,  "  careless  what  chance  be  thrown, 
And  where  encamped  be  these  Pagans  bold, 
Will  walk  in  every  tent  a  spy  unknown, 
Their  camp  even  at  noon-day  I  enter  shall, 
And  number  all  their  horse  and  footmen  all; 

"  How  great,  how  strong,  how  armed  this  army  is, 
And  what  their  guide  intends,  I  will  declare, 
To  me  the  secrets  of  that  heart  of  his 
And  hidden  thoughts  shall  open  lie  and  bare." 
Thus  Vafrine  spoke,  nor  longer  stayed  on  this, 
But  for  a  mantle  changed  the  coat  he  ware, 
Naked  was  his  neck,  and  bout  his  forehead  bold, 
Of  linen  white  full  twenty  yards  he  rolled. 

His  weapons  were  a  Syrian  bow  and  quiver, 
His  gestures  barbarous,  like  the  Turkish  train, 
Wondered  all  they  that  heard  his  tongue  deliver 
Of  every  land  the  language  true  and  plain : 
In  Tyre  a  born  Phoenician,  by  the  river 
Of  Nile  a  knight  bred  in  the  Egyptian  main, 

Both  people  would  have  thought  him ;  forth  he  rides 
On  a  swift  steed,  o'er  hills  and  dales  that  glides. 

But  ere  the  third  day  came  the  French  forth  sent 
Their  pioneers  to  even  the  rougher  ways, 
And  ready  made  each  warlike  instrument, 
Nor  aught  their  labor  interrupts  or  stays ; 
The  nights  in  busy  toil  they  likewise  spent 
And  with  long  evenings  lengthened  forth  short  days, 
Till  naught  was  left  the  hosts  that  hinder  might 
To  use  their  utmost  power  and  strength  in  fight. 

That  day,  which  of  the  assault  the  day  forerun, 
The  godly  duke  in  prayer  spent  well-nigh, 
And  all  the  rest,  because  they  had  misdone, 
The  sacrament  receive  and  mercy  cry ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  369 

Then  oft  the  duke  his  engines  great  begun 
To  show  where  least  he  would  their  strength  apply; 
His  foes  rejoiced,  deluded  in  that  sort, 
To  see  them  bent  against  their  surest  port : 

But  after,  aided  by  the  friendly  night, 
His  greatest  engine  to  that  side  he  brought 
Where  plainest  seemed  the  wall,  where  with  their  might 
The  flankers  least  could  hurt  them  as  they  fought ; 
And  to  the  southern  mountain's  greatest  height 
To  raise  his  turret  old  Raymondo  sought; 
And  thou  Camillo  on  that  part  hadst  thine, 
Where  from  the  north  the  walls  did  westward  twine. 

But  when  amid  the  eastern  heaven  appeared 
The  rising  morning  bright  as  shining  glass, 
The  troubled  Pagans  saw,  and  seeing  feared, 
How  the  great  tower  stood  not  where  late  it  was, 
And  here  and  there  tofore  unseen  was  reared 
Of  timber  strong  a  huge  and  fearful  mass, 

And  numberless  with  beams,  with  ropes  and  strings, 
They  view  the  iron  rams,  the  barks  and  slings. 

The  Syrian  people  now  were  no  whit  slow, 
Their  best  defences  to  that  side  to  bear, 
Where  Godfrey  did  his  greatest  engine  show, 
From  thence  where  late  in  vain  they  placed  were: 
But  he  who  at  his  back  right  well  did  know 
The  host  of  Egypt  to  be  preaching  near, 

To  him  called  Guelpho,  and  the  Roberts  twain, 
And  said,  "  On  horseback  look  you  still  remain, 

"  And  have  regard,  while  all  our  people  strive 
To  scale  this  wall,  where  weak  it  seems  and  thin, 
Lest  unawares  some  sudden  host  arrive, 
And  at  our  backs  unlooked-for  war  begin." 
This  said,  three  fierce  assaults  at  once  they  give, 
The  hardy  soldiers  all  would  die  or  win, 

And  on  three  parts  resistance  makes  the  king, 

And  rage  gainst  strength,  despair  gainst  hope  doth  bring 


370  TASSO 

Himself  upon  his  limbs  with  feeble  eild 

That  shook,  unwieldy  with  their  proper  weight, 

His  armor  laid  and  long  unused  shield, 

And  marched  gainst  Raymond  to  the  mountain's  height ; 

Great  Solyman  gainst  Godfrey  took  the  field; 

Fornenst  Camillo  stood  Argantes  straight 

Where  Tancred  strong  he  found,  so  fortune  will 
That  this  good  prince  his  wonted  foe  shall  kill. 

The  archers  shot  their  arrows  sharp  and  keen, 
Dipped  in  the  bitter  juice  of  poison  strong, 
The  shady  face  of  heaven  was  scantly  seen, 
Hid  with  the  clouds  of  shafts  and  quarries  long; 
Yet  weapons  sharp  with  greater  fury  been 
Cast  from  the  towers  the  Pagan  troops  among, 
For  thence  flew  stones  and  clifts  of  marble  rocks, 
Trees  shod  with  iron,  timber,  logs  and  blocks. 

A  thunderbolt  seemed  every  stone,  it  brake 
His  limbs  and  armors  on  whom  so  it  light, 
That  life  and  soul  it  did  not  only  take 
But  all  his  shape  and  face  disfigured  quite ; 
The  lances  stayed  not  in  the  wounds  they  make, 
But  through  the  gored  body  took  their  flight, 

From  side  to  side,  through  flesh,  through  skin  and  rind 
They  flew,  and  flying,  left  sad  death  behind. 

But  yet  not  all  this  force  and  fury  drove 

Th"  Pagan  people  to  forsake  the  wall, 

But  to  revenge  these  deadly  blows  they  strove, 

With  darts  that  fly,  with  stones  and  trees  that  fall ; 

For  need  so  cowards  oft  courageous  prove, 

For  liberty  they  fight,  for  life  and  all, 

And  oft  with  arrows,  shafts,  and  stones  that  fly, 

Give  bitter  answer  to  a  sharp  reply. 

Thiswhile  the  fierce  assailants  never  cease, 
But  sternly  still  maintain  a  threefold  charge, 
And  gainst  the  clouds  of  shafts  draw  nigh  at  ease, 
Under  a  pentise  made  of  many  a  targe, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  371 

The  armed  towers  close  to  the  bulwarks  press, 
And  strive  to  grapple  with  the  battled  marge, 
And  launch  their  bridges  out,  meanwhile  below 
With  iron  fronts  the  rams  the  walls  down  throw. 

Yet  still  Rinaldo  unresolved  went, 
And  far  unworthy  him  this  service  thought, 
If  mongst  the  common  sort  his  pains  he  spent ; 
Renown  so  got  the  prince  esteemed  naught: 
His  angry  looks  on  every  side  he  bent, 
And  where  most  harm,  most  danger  was,  he  fought, 
And  where  the  wall  high,  strong  and  surest  was, 
That  part  would  he  assault,  and  that  way  pass. 

And  turning  to  the  worthies  him  behind, 

All  hardy  knights,  whom  Dudon  late  did  guide, 

"  Oh  shame,"  quoth  he,  "  this  wall  no  war  doth  find, 

When  battered  is  elsewhere  each  part,  each  side; 

All  pain  is  safety  to  a  valiant  mind, 

Each  way  is  eath  to  him  that  dares  abide, 

Come  let  us  scale  this  wall,  though  strong  and  high, 
And  with  your  shields  keep  off  the  darts  that  fly." 

With  him  united  all  while  thus  he  spake, 
Their  targets  hard  above  their  heads  they  threw, 
Which  joined  in  one  an  iron  pentise  make 
That  from  the  dreadful  storm  preserved  the  crew. 
Defended  thus  their  speedy  course  they  take, 
And  to  the  wall  without  resistance  drew, 
For  that  strong  penticle  protected  well 
The  knights,  from  all  that  flew  and  all  that  fell. 

Against  the  fort  Rinaldo  'gan  uprear 
A  ladder  huge,  an  hundred  steps  of  height, 
And  in  his  arm  the  same  did  easily  bear 
And  move  as  winds  do  reeds  or  rushes  light, 
Sometimes  a  tree,  a  rock,  a  dart  or  spear, 
Fell  from  above,  yet  forward  clomb  the  knight, 
And  upward  fearless  pierced,  careless  still, 
fThough  Mount  Olympus  fell,  or  Ossa  hill : 


TASSO 

A  mount  of  ruins,  and  of  shafts  a  wood 
Upon  his  shoulders  and  his  shield  he  bore, 
One  hand  the  ladder  held  whereon  he  stood, 
The  other  bare  his  targe  his  face  before ; 
His  hardy  troop,  by  his  example  good 
Provoked,  with  him  the  place  assaulted  sore, 

And  ladders  long  against  the  wall  they  clap> 

Unlike  in  courage  yet,  unlike  in  hap : 

One  died,  another  fell;  he  forward  went, 
And  these  he  comforts,  and  he  threateneth  those, 
Now  with  his  hand  outstretched  the  battlement 
Well-nigh  he  reached,  when  all  his  armed  foes 
Ran  thither,  and  their  force  and  fury  bent 
To  throw  him  headlong  down,  yet  up  he  goes, 
A  wondrous  thing,  one  knight  whole  armed  bands 
Alone,  and  hanging  in  the  air,  withstands : 

Withstands,  and  forceth  his  great  strength  so  far, 
That  like  a  palm  whereon  huge  weight  doth  rest, 
His  forces  so  resisted  stronger  are, 
His  virtues  higher  rise  the  more  oppressed, 
Till  all  that  would  his  entrance  bold  debar, 
He  backward  drove,  upleaped  and  possessed 
The  wall,  and  safe  and  easy  with  his  blade, 
To  all  that  after  came,  the  passage  made. 

There  killing  such  as  durst  and  did  withstand, 
To  noble  Eustace  that  was  like  to  fall 
He  reached  forth  his  friendly  conquering  hand, 
And  next  himself  helped  him  to  mount  the  wall. 
Thiswhile  Godfredo  and  his  people  fand 
Their  lives  to  greater  harms  and  dangers  thrall, 

For  there  not  man  with  man,  nor  knight  with  knight 
Contend,  but  engines  there  with  engines  fight. 

For  in  that  place  the  Paynims  reared  a  post, 
Which  late  had  served  some  gallant  ship  for  mast, 
And  over  it  another  beam  they  crossed, 
Pointed  with  iron  sharp,  to  it  made  fast 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  373 

With  ropes  which  as  men  would  the  dormant  tossed, 
Now  out,  now  in,  now  back,  now  forward  cast. 
In  his  swift  pulleys  oft  the  men  withdrew 
The  tree,  and  oft  the  riding-balk  forth  threw : 

The  mighty  beam  redoubled  oft  his  blows, 
And  with  such  force  the  engine  smote  and  hit, 
That  her  broad  side  the  tower  wide  open  throws, 
Her  joints  were  broke,  her  rafters  cleft  and  split ; 
But  yet  gainst  every  hap  whence  mischief  grows, 
Prepared  the  piece,  gainst  such  extremes  made  fit, 

Launch  forth  two  scythes,  sharp,  cutting,  long  and  broad 
And  cut  the  ropes  whereon  the  engine  rode : 

As  an  old  rock,  which  age  or  stormy  wind 
Tears  from  some  craggy  hill  or  mountain  steep, 
Doth  break,  doth  bruise,  and  into  dust  doth  grind 
Woods,  houses,  hamlets,  herds,  and  folds  of  sheep, 
So  fell  the  beam,  and  down  with  it  all  kind 
Of  arms,  of  weapons,  and  of  men  did  sweep, 
Wherewith  the  towers  once  or  twice  did  shake, 
Trembled  the  walls,  the  hills  and  mountains  quake. 

Victorious  Godfrey  boldly  forward  came, 
And  had  great  hope  even  then  the  place  to  win; 
But  lo,  a  fire,  with  stench,  with  smoke  and  flame 
Withstood  his  passage,  stopped  his  entrance  in : 
Such  burning  JEtna.  yet  could  never  frame, 
When  from  her  entrails  hot  her  fires  begin, 
Nor  yet  in  summer  on  the  Indian  plain, 
Such  vapors  warm  from  scorching  air  down  rain. 

There  balls  of  wildfire,  there  fly  burning  spears, 
This  flame  was  black,  that  blue,  this  red  as  blood; 
Stench  well-nigh  choked  them,  noise  deafs  their  ears, 
Smoke  blinds  their  eyes,  fire  kindleth  on  the  wood; 
Nor  those  raw  hides  which  for  defence  it  wears 
Could  save  the  tower,  in  such  distress  it  stood ; 
For  now  they  wrinkle,  now  it  sweats  and  fries, 
Now  burns,  unless  some  help  come  down  from  skied. 


374  TASSO 

The  hardy  duke  before  his  folk  abides, 
Nor  changed  he  color,  countenance  or  place, 
But  comforts  those  that  from  the  scaldered  hides 
With  water  strove  the  approaching  flames  to  chase : 
In  these  extremes  the  prince  and  those  he  guides 
Half  roasted  stood  before  fierce  Vulcan's  face, 
When  lo,  a  sudden  and  unlooked-for  blast 
The  flames  against  the  kindlers  backward  cast : 

The  winds  drove  back  the  fire,  where  heaped  lie 
The  Pagans'  weapons,  where  their  engines  were, 
Which  kindling  quickly  in  that  substance  dry, 
Burnt  all  their  store  and  all  their  warlike  gear: 
O  glorious  captain!  whom  the  Lord  from  high 
Defends,  whom  God  preserves,  and  holds  so  dear; 
For  thee  heaven  fights,  to  thee  the  winds,  from  far, 
Called  with  thy  trumpet's  blast,  obedient  are ! 

But  wicked  Ismen  to  his  harm  that  saw 
How  the  fierce  blast  drove  back  the  fire  and  flame, 
By  art  would  nature  change,  and  thence  withdraw 
Those  noisome  winds,  else  calm  and  still  the  same; 
'Twixt  two  false  wizards  without  fear  or  awe 
Upon  the  walls  in  open  sight  he  came, 

Black,  grisly,  loathsome,  grim  and  ugly  faced, 
Like  Pluto  old,  betwixt  two  furies  placed  ; 

And  now  the  wretch  those  dreadful  words  begun, 
Which  trouble  make  deep  hell  and  all  her  flock, 
Now  trembled  is  the  air,  the  golden  sun 
His  fearful  beams  in  clouds  did  close  and  lock, 
When  from  the  tower,  which  Ismen  could  not  shun, 
Out  fled  a  mighty  stone,  late  half  a  rock, 
Which  light  so  just  upon  the  wizards  three, 
That  driven  to  dust  their  bones  and  bodies  be. 

To  less  than  naught  their  members  old  were  torn, 
And  shivered  were  their  heads  to  pieces  small, 
As  small  as  are  the  bruised  grains  of  corn 
When  from  the  mill  dissolved  to  meal  they  fall ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  375 

Their  damned  souls,  to  deepest  hell  down  borne 
Far  from  the  joy  and  light  celestial, 

The  furies  plunged  in  the  infernal  lake: 

O  mankind,  at  their  ends  ensample  take ! 

This  while  the  engine  which  the  tempest  cold 
Had  saved  from  burning  with  his  friendly  blast, 
Approached  had  so  near  the  battered  hold 
That  on  the  walls  her  bridge  at  ease  she  cast : 
But  Solyman  ran  thither  fierce  and  bold, 
To  cut  the  plank  whereon  the  Christians  passed. 

And  had  performed  his  will,  save  that  upreared 

High  in  the  skies  a  turret  new  appeared ; 

Far  in  the  air  up  clomb  the  fortress  tall, 
Higher  than  house,  than  steeple,  church  or  tower ; 
The  Pagans  trembled  to  behold  the  wall 
And  city  subject  to  her  shot  and  power ; 
Yet  kept  the  Turk  his  stand,  though  on  him  fall 
Of  stones  and  darts  a  sharp  and  deadly  shower, 
And  still  to  cut  the  bridge  he  hopes  and  strives, 
And  those  that  fear  with  cheerful  speech  revives. 

The  angel  Michael,  to  all  the  rest 
Unseen,  appeared  before  Godfredo's  eyes, 
In  pure  and  heavenly  armor  richly  dressed, 
Brighter  than  Titan's  rays  in  clearest  skies ; 
"  Godfrey,"  quoth  he,  "  this  is  the  moment  blest 
To  free  this  town  that  long  in  bondage  lies, 
See,  see  what  legions  in  thine  aid  I  bring, 
For  Heaven  assists  thee,  and  Heaven's  glorious  King: 

"  Lift  up  thine  eyes,  and  in  the  air  behold 
The  sacred  armies,  how  they  mustered  be, 
That  cloud  of  flesh  in  which  for  times  of  old 
All  mankind  wrapped  is,  I  take  from  thee, 
And  from  thy  senses  their  thick  mist  unfold, 
That  face  to  face  thou  mayest  these  spirits  see, 
And  for  a  little  space  right  well  sustain 
Their  glorious  light  and  view  those  angels  plain. 


376  TASSO 

"  Behold  the  souls  of  every  lord  and  knight 
That  late  bore  arms  and  died  for  Christ's  dear  sake, 
How  on  thy  side  against  this  town  they  fight, 
And  of  thy  joy  and  conquest  will  partake: 
There  where  the  dust  and  smoke  blind  all  men's  sight, 
Where  stones  and  ruins  such  an  heap  do  make, 
There  Hugo  fights,  in  thickest  cloud  imbarred, 
And  undermines  that  bulwark's  groundwork  hard. 

"  See  Dudon  yonder,  who  with  sword  and  fire 
Assails  and  helps  to  scale  the  northern  port, 
That  with  bold  courage  doth  thy  folk  inspire 
And  rears  their  ladders  gainst  the  assaulted  fort: 
He  that  high  on  the  mount  in  grave  attire 
Is  clad,  and  crowned  stands  in  kingly  sort, 

Is  Bishop  Ademare,  a  blessed  spirit, 

Blest  for  his  faith,  crowned  for  his  death  and  merit 

"  But  higher  lift  thy  happy  eyes,  and  view 
Where  all  the  sacred  hosts  of  Heaven  appear." 
He  looked,  and  saw  where  winged  armies  flew, 
Innumerable,  pure,  divine  and  clear; 
A  battle  round  of  squadrons  three  they  show 
And  all  by  threes  those  squadrons  ranged  were, 
Which  spreading  wide  in  rings  still  wider  go, 
Moved  with  a  stone  calm  water  circleth  so. 

With  that  he  winked,  and  vanished  was  and  gone ; 
That  wondrous  vision  when  he  looked  again, 
His  worthies  fighting  viewed  he  one  by  one, 
And  on  each  side  saw  signs  of  conquest  plain, 
For  with  Rinaldo  gainst  his  yielding  fone, 
His  knights  were  entered  and  the  Pagans  slain, 
This  seen,  the  duke  no  longer  stay  could  brook, 
But  from  the  bearer  bold  his  ensign  took: 

And  on  the  bridge  he  stepped,  but  there  was  stayed 
By  Solyman,  who  entrance  all  denied, 
,     That  narrow  tree  to  virtue  great  was  made, 
The  field  as  in  few  blows  right  soon  was  tried, 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  377 

"  Here  will  I  give  my  life  for  Sion's  aid, 
Here  will  I  end  my  days,"  the  Soldan  cried, 
"  Behind  me  cut  or  break  this  bridge,  that  I 
May  kill  a  thousand  Christians  first,  then  die." 

But  thither  fierce  Rinaldo  threatening  went, 
And  at  his  sight  fled  all  the  Soldan's  train, 
"  What  shall  I  do  ?     If  here  my  life  be  spent, 
I  spend  and  spill,"  quoth  he,  "  my  blood  in  vain ! " 
With  that  his  steps  from  Godfrey  back  he  bent, 
And  to  him  let  the  passage  free  remain, 

Who  threatening  followed  as  the  Soldan  fled, 
And  on  the  walls  the  purple  Cross  dispread : 

About  his  head  he  tossed,  he  turned,  he  cast, 
That  glorious  ensign,  with  a  thousand  twines, 
Thereon  the  wind  breathes  with  his  sweetest  blast, 
Thereon  with  golden  rays  glad  Phoebus  shines, 
Earth  laughs  for  joy,  the  streams  forbear  their  haste, 
Floods  clap  their  hands,  on  mountains  dance  the  pines, 
And  Sion's  towers  and  sacred  temples  smile 
For  their  deliverance  from  that  bondage  vile. 

And  now  the  armies  reared  the  happy  cry 
Of  victory,  glad,  joyful,  loud,  and  shrill. 
The  hills  resound,  the  echo  showereth  K'gh, 
And  Tancred  bold,  that  fights  and  combats  still 
With  proud  Argantes,  brought  his  tower  so  nigh, 
That  on  the  wall,  against  the  boaster's  will, 
In  his  despite,  his  bridge  he  also  laid, 
And  won  the  place,  and  there  the  cross  displayed. 

But  on  the  southern  hill,  where  Raymond  fought 
Against  the  townsmen  and  their  aged  king, 
His  hardy  Gascoigns  gained  small  or  naught; 
Their  engine  to  the  walls  they  could  not  bring, 
For  thither  all  his  strength  the  prince  had  brought, 
For  life  and  safety  sternly  combating, 
And  for  the  wall  was  feeblest  on  that  coast, 
There  were  his  soldiers  best,  and  engines  most. 


378  TASSO 

Besides,  the  tower  upon  that  quarter  found 
Unsure,  uneasy,  and  uneven  the  way, 
Nor  art  could  help,  but  that  the  rougher  ground 
The  rolling  mass  did  often  stop  and  stay ; 
But  now  of  victory  the  joyful  sound 
The  king  and  Raymond  heard  amid  their  fray ; 
And  by  the  shout  they  and  their  soldiers  know, 
The  town  was  entered  on  the  plain  below. 

Which  heard,  Raymondo  thus  bespake  this  crew, 
"  The  town  is  won,  my  friends,  and  doth  it  yet 
Resist  ?  are  we  kept  out  still  by  these  few  ? 
Shall  we  no  share  in  this  high  conquest  get  ?  " 
But  from  that  part  the  king  at  last  withdrew, 
He  strove  in  vain  their  entrance  there  to  let, 
And  to  a  stronger  place  his  folk  he  brought, 
Where  to  sustain  the  assault  awhile  he  thought. 

The  conquerors  at  once  now  entered  all, 
The  walls  were  won,  the  gates  were  opened  wide, 
Now  bruised,  broken  down,  destroyed  fall 
The  ports  and  towers  that  battery  durst  abide ; 
Rageth  the  sword,  death  murdereth  great  and  small, 
And  proud  'twixt  woe  and  horror  sad  doth  ride. 
Here  runs  the  blood,  in  ponds  there  stands  the  gore, 
And  drowns  the  knights  in  whom  it  lived  before. 


NINETEENTH  BOOK 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

Tancred  in  single  combat  kills  his  foe, 
Argantes  strong:  the  king  and  Soldan  fly 
To  David's  tower,  and  save  their  persons  so: 
Erminia  well  instructs  Vafrine  the  spy, 
With  him  she  rides  away,  and  as  they  go 
Finds  where  her  lord  for  dead  on  earth  doth  lie; 
First  she  laments,  then  cures  him:  Godfrey  hears 
Ormonde's  treason,  and  what  marks  he  bears. 

NOW  death  or  fear  or  care  to  save  their  lives 
From  their  forsaken  walls  the  Pagans  chase : 
Yet  neither  force  nor  fear  nor  wisdom  drives 
The  constant  knight  Argantes  from  his  place ; 
Alone  against  ten  thousand  foes  he  strives, 
Yet  dreadless,  doubtless,  careless  seemed  his  face, 
Nor  death,  nor  danger,  but  disgrace  he  fears, 
And  still  unconquered,  though  o'erset,  appears. 

But  mongst  the  rest  upon  his  helmet  gay 
With  his  broad  sword  Tancredi  came  and  smote : 
The  Pagan  knew  the  prince  by  his  array, 
By  his  strong  blows,  his  armor  and  his  coat ; 
For  once  they  fought,  and  when  night  stayed  that  fray, 
New  time  they  chose  to  end  their  combat  hot, 
But  Tancred  failed,  wherefore  the  Pagan  knight 
Cried,  "  Tancred,  com'st  thou  thus,  thus  late  to  fight  ? 

"  Too  late  thou  com'st,  and  not  alone  to  war, 
But  yet  the  fight  I  neither  shun  nor  fear, 
Although  from  knighthood  true  thou  errest  far, 
Since  like  an  engineer  thou  dost  appear, 
That  tower,  that  troop,  thy  shield  and  safety  are, 
Strange  kind  of  arms  in  single  fight  to  bear ; 
Yet  shalt  thou  not  escape,  O  conqueror  strong 
Of  ladies  fair,  sharp  death,  to  avenge  that  wrong." 
379 


380  TASSO 

Lord  Tancred  smiled,  with  disdain  and  scorn, 
And  answerd  thus,  "  To  end  our  strife,"  quoth  he, 
"  Behold  at  last  I  come,  and  my  return, 
Though  late,  perchance  will  be  too  soon  for  thee : 
For  thou  shalt  wish,  of  hope  and  help  forlorn, 
Some  sea  or  mountain  placed  twixt  thee  and  me, 
And  well  shalt  know  before  we  end  this  fray 
No  fear  of  cowardice  hath  caused  my  stay. 

"  But  come  aside,  thou  by  whose  prowess  dies 
The  monsters,  knights  and  giants  in  all  lands, 
The  killer  of  weak  women  thee  defies." 
This  said,  he  turned  to  his  fighting  bands, 
And  bids  them  all  retire.    "  Forbear,"  he  cries, 
"  To  strike  this  knight,  on  him  let  none  lay  hands ; 
For  mine  he  is,  more  than  a  common  foe, 
By  challenge  new  and  promise  old  also." 

"  Descend,"  the  fierce  Circassian  gan  reply, 
"  Alone,  or  all  this  troop  for  succor  take 
To  deserts  waste,  or  place  frequented  high, 
For  vantage  none  I  will  the  fight  forsake :  " 
Thus  given  and  taken  was  the  bold  defy, 
And  through  the  press,  agreed  so,  they  brake, 
Their  hatred  made  them  one,  and  as  they  went, 
Each  knight  his  foe  did  for  despite  defend : 

Great  was  his  thirst  of  praise,  great  the  desire 
That  Tancred  had  the  Pagan's  blood  to  spill, 
Nor  could  that  quench  his  wrath  or  calm  his  ire 
If  other  hand  his  foe  should  foil  or  kill. 
He  saved  him  with  his  shield,  and  cried  "  Retire ! " 
To  all  he  met,  "  and  do  this  knight  none  ill :  " 
And  thus  defending  gainst  his  friends  his  foe, 
Through  thousand  angry  weapons  safe  they  go. 

They  left  the  city,  and  they  left  behind 
Godfredo's  camp,  and  far  beyond  it  passed, 
And  came  where  into  creeks  and  bosoms  blind 
A  winding  hill  his  corners  turned  and  cast, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  381 

A  valley  small  and  shady  dale  they  find 
Amid  the  mountains  steep  so  laid  and  placed 
As  if  some  theatre  or  closed  place 
Had  been  for  men  to  fight  or  beasts  to  chase. 

There  stayed  the  champions  both  with  rueful  eyes, 

Argantes  gan  the  fortress  won  to  view ; 

Tancred  his  foe  withouten  shield  espies, 

And  far  away  his  target  therefore  threw, 

And  said,  "  Whereon  doth  thy  sad  heart  devise  ? 

Think'st  thou  this  hour  must  end  thy  life  untrue? 
If  this  thou  fear,  and  dost  foresee  thy  fate, 
Thy  fear  is  vain,  thy  foresight  comes  too  late." 

"  I  think,"  quoth  he,  "  on  this  distressed  town, 
The  aged  Queen  of  Judah's  ancient  land, 
Now  lost,  now  sacked,  spoiled  and  trodden  down, 
Whose  fall  in  vain  I  strived  to  withstand, 
A  small  revenge  for  Sion's  fort  o'erthrown, 
That  head  can  be,  cut  off  by  my  strong  hand." 
This  said,  together  with  great  heed  they  flew, 
For  each  his  foe  for  bold  and  hardy  knew. 

Tancred  of  body  active  was  and  light, 

Quick,  nimble,  ready  both  of  hand  and  foot ; 

But  higher  by  the  head,  the  Pagan  knight 

Of  limbs  far  greater  was,  of  heart  as  stout : 

Tancred  laid  low  and  traversed  in  his  fight, 

Now  to  his  ward  retired,  now  struck  out, 
Oft  with  his  sword  his  foe's  fierce  blows  he  broke, 
And  rather  chose  to  ward  than  bear  his  stroke. 

But  bold  and  bolt  upright  Argantes  fought, 
Unlike  in  gesture,  like  in  skill  and  art, 
His  sword  outstretched  before  him  far  he  brought, 
Nor  would  his  weapon  touch,  but  pierce  his  heart, 
To  catch  his  point  Prince  Tancred  strove  and  sought, 
But  at  his  breast  or  helm's  unclosed  part 
He  threatened  death,  and  would  with  stretched-out  brand 
His  entrance  close,  and  fierce  assaults  withstand. 


382  TASSO 

With  a  tall  ship  so  doth  a  galley  fight, 
When  the  still  winds  stir  not  the  unstable  main ; 
Where  this  in  nimbleness  as  that  in  might 
Excels ;  that  stands,  this  goes  and  comes  again, 
And  shifts  from  prow  to  poop  with  turnings  light ; 
Meanwhile  the  other  doth  unmoved  remain, 
And  on  her  nimble  foe  approaching  nigh, 
Her  weighty  engines  tumbleth  down  from  high. 

The  Christian  sought  to  enter  on  his  foe, 
Voiding  his  point,  which  at  his  breast  was  bent ; 
Argantes  at  his  face  a  thrust  did  throw, 
Which  while  the  Prince  awards  and  doth  prevent, 
His  ready  hand  the  Pagan  turned  so, 
That  all  defence  his  quickness  far  o'erwent, 

And  pierced  his  side,  which  done,  he  said  and  smiled, 
"  The  craftsman  is  in  his  own  craft  beguiled." 

Tancredi  bit  his  lip  for  scorn  and  shame, 
Nor  longer  stood  on  points  of  fence  and  skill, 
But  to  revenge  so  fierce  and  fast  he  came 
As  if  his  hand  could  not  o'ertake  his  will, 
And  at  his  visor  aiming  just,  gan  frame 
To  his  proud  boast  an  answer  sharp,  but  still 
Argantes  broke  the  thrust ;  and  at  half-sword, 
Swift,  hardy,  bold,  in  stepped  the  Christian  lord. 

With  his  left  foot  fast  forward  gan  he  stride, 
And  with  his  left  the  Pagan's  right  arm  bent, 
With  his  right  hand  meanwhile  the  man's  right  side 
He  cut,  he  wounded,  mangled,  tore  and  rent 
"  To  his  victorious  teacher,"  Tancred  cried, 
"  His  conquered  scholar  hath  this  answer  sent ; " 
Argantes  chafed,  struggled,  turned  and  twined, 
Yet  could  not  so  his  captive  arm  unbind : 

His  sword  at  last  he  let  hang  by  the  chain, 
And  griped  his  hardy  foe  in  both  his  hands, 
In  his  strong  arms  Tancred  caught  him  again, 
And  thus  each  other  held  and  wrapped  in  bands. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  383 

With  greater  might  Alcides  did  not  strain 

The  giant  Antheus  on  the  Lybian  sands, 

On  holdfast  knots  their  brawny  arms  they  cast, 
And  whom  he  hateth  most,  each  held  embraced : 

Such  was  their  wrestling,  such  their  shocks  and  throws 
That  down  at  once  they  tumbled  both  to  ground, 
Argantes, — were  it  hap  or  skill,  who  knows, — 
His  better  hand  loose  and  in  freedom  found; 
But  the  good  Prince,  his  hand  more  fit  for  blows, 
With  his  huge  weight  the  Pagan  underbound ; 

But  he,  his  disadvantage  great  that  knew, 

Let  go  his  hold,  and  on  his  feet  up  flew : 

Far  slower  rose  the  unwieldy  Saracine, 
And  caught  a  rap  ere  he  was  reared  upright. 
But  as  against  the  blustering  winds  a  pine 
Now  bends  his  top,  now  lifts  his  head  on  height, 
His  courage  so,  when  it  'gan  most  decline, 
The  man  reinforced,  and  advanced  his  might, 
And  with  fierce  change  of  blows  renewed  the  fray, 
Where  rage  for  skill,  horror  for  art,  bore  sway. 

The  purple  drops  from  Tancred's  sides  down  railed, 
But  from  the  Pagan  ran  whole  streams  of  blood, 
Wherewith  his  force  grew  weak,  his  courage  quailed 
As  fires  die  which  fuel  want  or  food. 
Tancred  that  saw  his  feeble  arm  now  failed 
To  strike  his  blows,  that  scant  he  stirred  or  stood, 
Assuaged  his  anger,  and  his  wrath  allayed, 
And  stepping  back,  thus  gently  spoke  and  said: 

"  Yield,  hardy  knight,  and  chance  of  war  or  me 

Confess  to  have  subdued  thee  in  this  fight, 

I  will  no  trophy,  triumph,  spoil  of  thee, 

Nor  glory  wish,  nor  seek  a  victor's  right 

More  terrible  than  erst ;  "  herewith  grew  he 

And  all  awaked  his  fury,  rage  and  might, 

And  said,  "  Dar'st  thou  of  vantage  speak  or  think, 
Or  move  Argantes  once  to  yield  or  shrink? 


384  TASSO 

"  Use,  use  thy  vantage,  thee  and  fortune  both 
I  scorn,  and  punish  will  thy  foolish  pride :  " 
As  a  hot  brand  flames  most  ere  it  forth  go'th, 
And  dying  blazeth  bright  on  every  side ; 
So  he,  when  blood  was  lost,  with  anger  wroth, 
Revived  his  courage  when  his  puissance  died, 

And  would  his  latest  hour  which  now  drew  nigh, 

Illustrate  with  his  end,  and  nobly  die. 

He  joined  his  left  hand  to  her  sister  strong, 
And  with  them  both  let  fall  his  weighty  blade. 
Tancred  to  ward  his  blow  his  sword  up  slung, 
But  that  it  smote  aside,  nor  there  it  stayed, 
But  from  his  shoulder  to  his  side  along 
It  glanced,  and  many  wounds  at  once  it  made : 
Yet  Tancred  feared  naught,  for  in  his  heart 
Found  coward  dread  no  place,  fear  had  no  part. 

His  fearful  blow  he  doubled,  but  he  spent 
His  force  in  waste,  and  all  his  strength  in  vain ; 
For  Tancred  from  the  blow  against  him  bent, 
Leaped  aside,  the  stroke  fell  on  the  plain. 
With  thine  own  weight  overthrown  to  earth  thou  went, 
Argantes  stout,  nor  could'st  thyself  sustain, 
Thyself  thou  threwest  down,  O  happy  man, 
Upon  whose  fall  none  boast  or  triumph  can ! 

His  gaping  wounds  the  fall  set  open  wide, 
The  streams  of  blood  about  him  made  a  lake, 
Helped  with  his  left  hand,  on  one  knee  he  tried 
To  rear  himself,  and  new  defence  to  make : 
The  courteous  prince  stepped  back, and  "Yield  thee !"  cried, 
No  hurt  he  proffered  him,  no  blow  he  strake. 
Meanwhile  by  stealth  the  Pagan  false  him  gave 
A  sudden  wound,  threatening  with  speeches  brave : 

Herewith  Tancredi  furious  grew,  and  said, 
"  Villain,  dost  thou  my  mercy  so  despise  ?  " 
Therewith  he  thrust  and  thrust  again  his  blade, 
And  through  his  ventil  pierced  his  dazzled  eyes. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  385 

Argantes  died,  yet  no  complaint  he  made, 

But  as  he  furious  lived  he  careless  dies; 

Bold,  proud,  disdainful,  fierce  and  void  of  fear 
His  motions  last,  last  looks,  last  speeches  were. 

Tancred  put  up  his  sword,  and  praises  glad 
Gave  to  his  God  that  saved  him  in  this  fight ; 
But  yet  this  bloody  conquest  feebled  had 
So  much  the  conqueror's  force,  strength  and  might, 
That  through  the  way  he  feared  which  homeward  led 
He  had  not  strength  enough  to  walk  upright ; 
Yet  as  he  could  his  steps  from  thence  he  bent, 
And  foot  by  foot  a  heavy  pace  forth-went ; 

His  legs  could  bear  him  but  a  little  stound, 
And  more  he  hastes,  more  tired,  less  was  his  speed, 
On  his  right  hand,  at  last,  laid  on  the  ground 
He  leaned,  his  hand  weak  like  a  shaking  reed, 
Dazzled  his  eyes,  the  world  on  wheels  ran  round, 
Day  wrapped  her  brightness  up  in  sable  weed ; 
At  length  he  swooned,  and  the  victor  knight 
Naught  differed  from  his  conquered  foe  in  fight. 

But  while  these  lords  their  private  fight  pursue, 
Made  fierce  and  cruel  through  their  secret  hate, 
The  victor's  ire  destroyed  the  faithless  crew 
From  street  to  street,  and  chased  from  gate  to  gate. 
But  of  the  sacked  town  the  image  true 
Who  can  describe,  or  paint  the  wofnl  state, 
Or  with  fit  words  this  spectacle  express 
Who  can?  or  tell  the  city's  great  distress? 

Blood,  murder,  death,  each  street,  house,  church  defiled, 
There  heaps  of  slain  appear,  there  mountains  high ; 
There  underneath  the  unburied  hills  up-piled 
Of  bodies  dead,  the  living  buried  lie ; 
There  the  sad  mother  with  her  tender  child 
Doth  tear  her  tresses  loose,  complain  and  fly, 
And  there  the  spoiler  by  her  amber  hair 
Draws  to  his  lust  the  virgin  chaste  and  fair. 


386  TASSO 

But  through  the  way  that  to  the  west-hill  yood 
Whereon  the  old  and  stately  temple  stands, 
All  soiled  with  gore  and  wet  with  lukewarm  blood 
Rinaldo  ran,  and  chased  the  Pagan  bands ; 
Above  their  heads  he  heaved  his  curtlax  good, 
Life  in  his  grace,  and  death  lay  in  his  hands, 
Nor  helm  nor  target  strong  his  blows  off  bears, 
Best  armed  there  seemed  he  no  arms  that  wears ; 

For  gainst  his  armed  foes  he  only  bends 
His  force,  and  scorns  the  naked  folk  to  wound ; 
Them  whom  no  courage  arms,  no  arms  defends, 
He  chased  with  his  looks  and  dreadful  sound: 
Oh,  who  can  tell  how  far  his  force  extends  ? 
How  these  he  scorns,  threats  those,  lays  them  on  ground? 
How  with  unequal  harm,  with  equal  fear 
Fled  all,  all  that  well  armed  or  naked  were : 

Fast  fled  the  people  weak,  and  with  the  same 
A  squadron  strong  is  to  the  temple  gone 
Which,  burned  and  builded  oft,  still  keeps  the  name 
Of  the  first  founder,  wise  King  Solomon ; 
That  prince  this  stately  house  did  whilom  frame 
Of  cedar  trees,  of  gold  and  marble  stone ; 
Now  not  so  rich,  yet  strong  and  sure  it  was, 
With  turrets  high,  thick  walls,  and  doors  of  brass. 

The  knight  arrived  where  in  warklike  sort 
The  men  that  ample  church  had  fortified. 
And  closed  found  each  wicket,  gate  and  port, 
And  on  the  top  defences  ready  spied, 
He  left  his  frowning  looks,  and  twice  that  fort 
From  his  high  top  down  to  the  groundwork  eyed, 

And  entrance  sought,  and  twice  with  his  swift  foot 

The  mighty  place  he  measured  about. 

Like  as  a  wolf  about  the  closed  fold 

Rangeth  by  night  his  hoped  prey  to  get, 

Enraged  with  hunger  and  with  malice  old 

Which  kind  'twixt  him  and  harmless  sheep  hath  set: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  387 

So  searched  he  high  and  low  about  that  hold, 

Where  he  might  enter  without  stop  or  let, 
In  the  great  court  he  stayed,  his  foes  above 
Attend  the  assault,  and  would  their  fortune  prove. 

There  lay  by  chance  a  posted  tree  thereby, 
Kept  for  some  needful  use,  whate'er  it  were, 
The  armed  galleys  not  so  thick  nor  high 
Their  tall  and  lofty  masts  at  Genes  uprear; 
This  beam  the  knight  against  the  gates  made  fly 
From  his  strong  hands  all  weights  which  lift  and  bear, 
Like  a  light  lance  that  tree  he  shook  and  tossed, 
And  bruised  the  gate,  the  threshold  and  the  post. 

No  marble  stone,  no  metal  strong  outbore 
The  wondrous  might  of  that  redoubled  blow,     . 
The  brazen  hinges  from  the  wall  it  tore, 
It  broke  the  locks,  and  laid  the  doors  down  low, 
No  iron  ram,  no  engine  could  do  more, 
Nor  cannons  great  that  thunderbolts  forth  throw, 
His  people  like  a  flowing  stream  inthrong, 
And  after  them  entered  the  victor  strong; 

The  woful  slaughter  black  and  loathsome  made 
That  house,  sometime  the  sacred  house  of  God, 
O  heavenly  justice,  if  thou  be  delayed, 
On  wretched  sinners  sharper  falls  thy  rod! 
In  them  this  place  profaned  which  invade 
Thou  kindled  ire,  and  mercy  all  forbode, 

Until  with  their  hearts'  blood  the  Pagans  vile 
This  temple  washed  which  they  did  late  defile. 

But  Solyman  this  while  himself  fast  sped 
Up  to  the  fort  which  David's  tower  is  named, 
And  with  him  all  the  soldiers  left  he  led, 
And  gainst  each  entrance  new  defences  framed: 
The  tyrant  Aladine  eke  thither  fled, 
To  whom  the  Soldan  thus,  far  off,  exclaimed, 
"  Come,  come,  renowned  king,  up  to  this  rock, 
Thyself,  within  this  fortress  safe  uplock: 

Classics.      Vol.    35— R 


388  TASSO 

"  For  well  this  fortress  shall  thee  and  thy  crown 
Defend,  awhile  here  may  we  safe  remain." 
"  Alas !  "  quoth  he,  "  alas,  for  this  fair  town, 
Which  cruel  war  beats  down  even  with  the  plain, 
My  life  is  done,  mine  empire  trodden  down, 
I  reigned,  I  lived,  but  now  nor  live  nor  reign ; 
For  now,  alas!   behold  the  fatal  hour 
That  ends  our  life,  and  ends  our  kingly  power." 

"  Where  is  your  virtue,  where  your  wisdom  grave, 
And  courage  stout  ?  "  the  angry  Soldan  said, 
"  Let  chance  our  kingdoms  take  which  erst  she  gave, 
Yet  in  our  hearts  our  kingly  worth  is  laid ; 
But  come,  and  in  this  fort  your  person  save, 
Refresh  your  weary  limbs  and  strength  decayed : " 
Thus  counselled  he,  and  did  to  safety  bring 
Within  that  fort  the  weak  and  aged  king. 

His  iron  mace  in  both  his  hands  he  hent, 
And  on  his  thigh  his  trusty  sword  he  tied, 
And  to  the  entrance  fierce  and  fearless  went, 
And  kept  the  strait,  and  all  the  French  defied : 
The  blows  were  mortal  which  he  gave  or  lent, 
For  whom  he  hit  he  slew,  else  by  his  side 
Laid  low  on  earth,  that  all  fled  from  the  place 
Where  they  beheld  that  great  and  dreadful  mace. 

But  old  Raymondo  with  his  hardy  crew 
By  chance  came  thither,  to  his  great  mishap ; 
To  that  defended  path  the  old  man  flew, 
And  scorned  his  blows  and  him  that  kept  the  gap, 
He  struck  his  foe,  his  blow  no  blood  forth  drew, 
But  on  the  front  with  that  he  caught  a  rap, 
Which  in  a  swoon,  low  in  the  dust  him  laid, 
Wide  open,  trembling,  with  his  arms  displayed. 

The  Pagans  gathered  heart  at  last,  though  fear 
Their  courage  weak  had  put  to  flight  but  late, 
So  that  the  conquerors  repulsed  were, 
And  beaten  back,  else  slain  before  the  Gate: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  389 

The  Soldan,  mongst  the  dead  beside  him  near 

That  saw  Lord  Raymond  lie  in  such  estate, 

Cried  to  his  men,  "  Within  these  bars,"  quoth  he, 
"  Come  draw  this  knight,  and  let  him  captive  be." 

Forward  they  rushed  to  execute  his  word, 
But  hard  and  dangerous  that  emprise  they  found, 
For  none  of  Raymond's  men  forsook  their  lord, 
But  to  their  guide's  defence  they  flocked  round, 
Thence  fury  fights,  hence  pity  draws  the  sword, 
Nor  strive  they  for  vile  cause  or  on  light  ground, 
The  life  and  freedom  of  that  champion  brave, 
Those  spoil,  these  would  preserve,  those  kill,  these  save. 

But  yet  at  last  if  they  had  longer  fought 
The  hardy  Soldan  would  have  won  the  field ; 
For  gainst  his  thundering  mace  availed  naught 
Or  helm  of  temper  fine  or  sevenfold  shield : 
But  from  each  side  great  succor  now  was  brought 
To  his  weak  foes,  now  fit  to  faint  and  yield, 
And  both  at  once  to  aid  and  help  the  same 
The  sovereign  Duke  and  young  Rinaldo  came. 

As  when  a  shepherd,  raging  round  about 
That  sees  a  storm  with  wind,  hail,  thunder,  rain, 
When  gloomy  clouds  have  day's  bright  eye  put  out, 
His  tender  flocks  drives  from  the  open  plain 
To  some  thick  grove  or  mountain's  shady  foot, 
Where  Heaven's  fierce  wrath  they  may  unhurt  sustain, 
And  with  his  hook,  his  whistle  and  his  cries 
Drives  forth  his  fleecy  charge,  and  with  them  flies: 

So  fled  the  Soldan,  when  he  gan  descry 
This  tempest  come  from  angry  war  forthcast, 
The  armor  clashed  and  lightened  gainst  the  sky, 
And  from  each  side  swords,  weapons,  fire  outbrast: 
He  sent  his  folk  up  to  the  fortress  high, 
To  shun  the  furious  storm,  himself  stayed  last, 
Yet  to  the  danger  he  gave  place  at  length, 
For  wit,  his  courage ;  wisdom  ruled  his  strength. 


390 


TASSO 

But  scant  the  knight  was  safe  the  gate  within, 
Scant  closed  were  the  doors,  when  having  broke 
The  bars,  Rinaldo  doth  assault  begin 
Against  the  port,  and  on  the  wicket  stroke 
His  matchless  might,  his  great  desire  to  win, 
His  oath  and  promise,  doth  his  wrath  provoke, 
For  he  had  sworn,  nor  should  his  word  be  vain, 
To  kill  the  man  that  had  Prince  Sweno  slain. 

And  now  his  armed  hand  that  castle  great 
Would  have  assaulted,  and  had  shortly  won, 
Nor  safe  pardie  the  Soldan  there  a  seat 
Had  found  his  fatal  foes'  sharp  wrath  to  shun, 
Had  not  Godfredo  sounded  the  retreat; 
For  now  dark  shades  to  shroud  the  earth  begun, 
Within  the  town  the  duke  would  lodge  that  night, 
And  with  the  morn  renew  the  assault  and  fight. 

With  cheerful  look  thus  to  his  folk  he  said, 
"  High  God  hath  holpen  well  his  children  dear, 
This  work  is  done,  the  rest  this  night  delayed 
Doth  little  labor  bring,  less  doubt,  no  fear, 
This  tower,  our  foe's  weak  hope  and  latest  aid, 
We  conquer  will,  when  sun  shall  next  appear: 
Meanwhile  with  love  and  tender  ruth  go  see 
And  comfort  those  which  hurt  and  wounded  be; 

"  Go  cure  their  wounds  which  boldly  ventured 
Their  lives,  and  spilt  their  bloods  to  get  this  hold, 
That  fitteth  more  this  host  for  Christ  forth  led, 
Than  thirst  of  vengeance,  or  desire  of  gold ; 
Too  much,  ah,  too  much  blood  this  day  is  shed ! 
In  some  we  too  much  haste  to  spoil  behold, 
But  I  command  no  more  you  spoil  and  kill, 
And  let  a  trumpet  publish  forth  my  will." 

This  said,  he  went  where  Raymond  panting  lay, 
Waked  from  the  swoon  wherein  he  late  had  been. 
Nor  Solyman  with  countenance  less  gay 
Bespake  his  troops,  and  kept  his  grief  unseen; 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  391 

"  My  friends,  you  are  unconquered  this  day, 

In  spite  of  fortune  still  our  hope  is  green, 

For  underneath  great  shows  of  harm  and  fear, 
Our  dangers  small,  our  losses  little  were: 

"  Burnt  are  your  houses,  and  your  people  slain, 
Yet  safe  your  town  is,  though  your  walls  be  gone, 
For  in  yourselves  and  in  your  sovereign 
Consists  your  city,  not  in  lime  and  stone; 
Your  king  is  safe,  and  safe  is  all  his  train 
In  this  strong  fort  defended  from  their  fone, 
And  on  this  empty  conquest  let  them  boast, 
Till  with  this  town  again,  their  lives  be  lost ; 

"  And  on  their  heads  the  loss  at  last  will  light, 
For  with  good  fortune  proud  and  insolent, 
In  spoil  and  murder  spend  they  day  and  night, 
In  riot,  drinking,  lust  and  ravishment, 
And  may  amid  their  preys  with  little  fight 
At  ease  be  overthrown,  killed,  slain  and  spent, 
If  in  this  carelessness  the  Egyptian  host 
Upon  them  fall,  which  now  draws  near  this  coast. 

"  Meanwhile  the  highest  buildings  of  this  town 
We  may  shake  down  with  stones  about  their  ears, 
And  with  our  darts  and  spears  from  engines  thrown, 
Command  that  hill  Christ's  sepulchre  that  bears :  " 
Thus  comforts  he  their  hopes  and  hearts  cast  down, 
Awakes  their  valors,  and  exiles  their  fears. 
But  while  the  things  hapt  thus,  Vafrino  goes 
Unknown,  amid  ten  thousand  armed  foes. 

The  sun  nigh  set  had  brought  to  end  the  day, 
When  Vafrine  went  the  Pagan  host  to  spy, 
He  passed  unknown  a  close  and  secret  way; 
A  traveller,  false,  cunning,  crafty,  sly, 
Past  Ascalon  he  saw  the  morning  gray 
Step  o'er  the  threshold  of  the  eastern  sky, 

And  ere  bright  Titan  half  his  course  had  run, 
That  camp,  that  mighty  host  to  show  begun. 


TASSO 

Tents  infinite,  and  standards  broad  he  spies, 
This  red,  that  white,  that  blue,  this  purple  was, 
And  hears  strange  tongues,  and  stranger  harmonies 
Of  trumpets,  clarions,  and  well-sounding  brass : 
The  elephant  there  brays,  the  camel  cries, 
The  horses  neigh  as  to  and  fro  they  pass : 

Which  seen  and  heard,  he  said  within  his  thought, 

Hither  all  Asia  is,  all  Afric,  brought. 

He  viewed  the  camp  awhile,  her  site  and  seat, 
What  ditch,  what  trench  it  had,  what  rampire  strong, 
Nor  close,  nor  secret  ways  to  work  his  feat 
He  longer  sought,  nor  hid  him  from  the  throng ; 
But  entered  through  the  gates,  broad,  royal,  great, 
And  oft  he  asked,  and  answered  oft  among, 

In  questions  wise,  in  answers  short  and  sly ; 

Bold  was  his  look,  eyes  quick,  front  lifted  high : 

On  every  side  he  pried  here  and  there, 
And  marked  each  way,  each  passage  and  each  tent : 
The  knights  he  notes,  their  steeds,  and  arms  they  bear, 
Their  names,  their  armor,  and  their  government ; 
And  greater  secrets  hopes  to  learn,  and  hear, 
Their  hidden  purpose,  and  their  close  intent: 
So  long  he  walked  and  wandered,  till  he  spied 
The  way  to  approach  the  great  pavilions'  side: 

There  as  he  looked  he  saw  the  canvas  rent, 

Through  which  the  voice  found  eath  and  open  way 

From  the  close  lodgings  of  the  regal  tent 

And  inmost  closet  where  the  captain  lay ; 

So  that  if  Emireno  spake,  forth  went 

The  sound  to  them  that  listen  what  they  say, 

There  Vafrine  watched,  and  those  that  saw  him  thought 
To  mend  the  breach  that  there  he  stood  and  wrought. 

The  captain  great  within  bare-headed  stood, 
His  body  armed  and  clad  in  purple  weed, 
Two  pages  bore  his  shield  and  helmet  good, 
He  leaning  on  a  bending  lance  gave  heed 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  393 

To  a  big  man  whose  looks  were  fierce  and  proud, 
With  whom  he  parleyed  of  some  haughty  deed, 
Godfredo's  name  as  Vafrine  watched  he  heard, 
Which  made  him  give  more  heed,  take  more  regard : 

Thus  spake  the  chieftain  to  that  surly  sir, 
"  Art  thou  so  sure  that  Godfrey  shall  be  slain  ?  " 
"  I  am,"  quoth  he,  "  and  swear  ne'er  to  retire, 
Except  he  first  be  killed,  to  court  again. 
I  will  prevent  those  that  with  me  conspire: 
Nor  other  guerdon  ask  I  for  my  pain 
But  that  I  may  hang  up  his  harness  brave 
At  Gair,  and  under  them  these  words  engrave : 

"  '  These  arms  Ormondo  took  in  noble  fight 
From  Godfrey  proud,  that  spoiled  all  Asia's  lands, 
And  with  them  took  his  life,  and  here  on  high, 
In  memory  thereof,  this  trophy  stands.' " 
The  duke  replied,  "  Ne'er  shall  that  deed,  bold  knight, 
Pass  unrewarded  at  our  sovereign's  hands, 
What  thou  demandest  shall  he  gladly  grant, 
Nor  gold  nor  guerdon  shalt  thou  wish  or  want. 

"  Those  counterfeited  armors  then  prepare, 
Because  the  day  of  fight  approacheth  fast." 
"  They  ready  are,"  quoth  he ;  then  both  forbare 
From  further  talk,  these  speeches  were  the  last. 
Vafrine,  these  great  things  heard,  with  grief  and  care 
Remained  astound,  and  in  his  thoughts  oft  cast 
What  treason  false  this  was,  how  feigned  were 
Those  arms,  but  yet  that  doubt  he  could  not  clear. 

From  thence  he  parted,  and  broad  waking  lay 
All  that  long  night,  nor  slumbered  once  nor  slept : 
But  when  the  camp  by  peep  of  springing  day 
Their  banner  spread,  and  knights  on  horseback  leapt, 
With  them  he  marched  forth  in  meet  array, 
And  where  they  pitched  lodged,  and  with  them  kept, 
And  then  from  tent  to  tent  he  stalked  about, 
To  hear  and  see,  and  learn  this  secret  out ; 


TASSO 

Searching  about,  on  a  rich  throne  he  fand 
Armida  set  with  dames  and  knights  around, 
Sullen  she  sat,  and  sighed,  it  seemed  she  scanned 
Some  weighty  matters  in  her  thoughts  profound, 
Her  rosy  cheek  leaned  on  her  lily  hand, 
Her  eyes,  love's  twinkling  stars,  she  bent  to  ground, 
Weep  she,  or  no,  he  knows  not,  yet  appears 
Her  humid  eyes  even  great  with  child  with  tears. 

He  saw  before  her  set  Adrastus  grim, 

That  seemed  scant  to  live,  move,  or  respire, 

So  was  he  fixed  on  his  mistress  trim, 

So  gazed  he,  and  fed  his  fond  desire ; 

But  Tisiphern  beheld  now  her  now  him, 

And  quaked  sometime  for  love,  sometime  for  ire, 
And  in  his  cheeks  the  color  went  and  came, 
For  there  wrath's  fire  now  burnt,  now  shone  love's  flame. 

Then  from  the  garland  fair  of  virgins  bright, 
Mongst  whom  he  lay  enclosed,  rose  Altamore, 
His  hot  desire  he  hid  and  kept  from  sight, 
His  looks  were  ruled  by  Cupid's  crafty  lore, 
His  left  eye  viewed  her  hand,  her  face,  his  right 
Both  watched  her  beauties  hid  and  secret  store, 
And  entrance  found  where  her  thin  veil  bewrayed 
The  milken-way  between  her  breasts  that  laid. 

Her  eyes  Armida  lift  from  earth  at  last, 
And  cleared  again  her  front  and  visage  sad, 
Midst  clouds  of  woe  her  looks  which  overcast 
She  lightened  forth  a  smile,  sweet,  pleasant,  glad ; 
"  My  lord,"  quoth  she,  "  your  oath  and  promise  passed, 
Hath  freed  my  heart  of  all  the  griefs  it  had, 
That  now  in  hope  of  sweet  revenge  it  lives, 
Such  joy,  such  ease,  desired  vengeance  gives." 

"  Cheer  up  thy  looks,"  answered  the  Indian  king, 
"  And  for  sweet  beauty's  sake,  appease  thy  woe, 
Cast  at  your  feet  ere  you  expect  the  thing, 
I  will  present  the  head  of  thy  strong  foe ; 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  395 

Else  shall  this  hand  his  person  captive  bring 

And  cast  in  prison  deep ;  "  he  boasted  so. 

His  rival  heard  him  well,  yet  answered  naught, 
But  bit  his  lips,  and  grieved  in  secret  thought. 

To  Tisipherne  the  damsel  turning  right, 

"  And  what  say  you,  my  noble  lord  ?  "  quoth  she. 

He  taunting  said,  "  I  that  am  slow  to  fight 

Will  follow  far  behind,  the  worth  to  see 

Of  this  your  terrible  and  puissant  knight," 

In  scornful  words  this  bitter  scoff  gave  he. 

"  Good  reason,"  quoth  the  king,  "  thou  come  behind, 
Nor  e'er  compare  thee  with  the  Prince  of  Ind." 

Lord  Tisiphernes  shook  his  head,  and  said, 
"  Oh,  had  my  power  free  like  my  courage  been, 
Or  had  I  liberty  to  use  this  blade, 
Who  slow,  who  weakest  is,  soon  should  be  seen, 
Nor  thou,  nor  thy  great  vaunts  make  me  afraid, 
But  cruel  love  I  fear,  and  this  fair  queen." 
This  said,  to  challenge  him  the  king  forth  leapt, 
But  up  their  mistress  start,  and  twixt  them  stepped: 

"  Will  you  thus  rob  me  of  that  gift,"  quoth  she, 

"  Which  each  hath  vowed  to  give  by  word  and  oath  ? 

You  are  my  champions,  let  that  title  be 

The  bond  of  love  and  peace  between  you  both ; 

He  that  displeased  is,  is  displeased  with  me, 

For  which  of  you  is  grieved,  and  I  not  wroth  ?  " 

Thus  warned  she  them,  their  hearts,  for  ire  nigh  broke, 
In  forced  peace  and  rest  thus  bore  love's  yoke." 

All  this  heard  Vafrine  as  he  stood  beside, 
And  having  learned  the  truth,  he  left  the  tent, 
That  treason  was  against  the  Christian's  guide 
Contrived,  he  wist,  yet  wist  not  how  it  went, 
By  words  and  questions  far  off,  he  tried 
To  find  the  truth;  more  difficult,  more  bent 

Was  he  to  know  it,  and  resolved  to  die, 

Or  of  that  secret  close  the  intent  to  spy. 


TASSO 

Of  sly  intelligence  he  proved  all  ways, 
All  crafts,  all  wiles,  that  in  his  thoughts  abide, 
Yet  all  in  vain  the  man  by  wit  assays, 
To  know  that  false  compact  and  practice  hid: 
But  chance,  what  wisdom  could  not  tell,  bewrays, 
Fortune  of  all  his  doubt  the  knots  undid, 
So  that  prepared  for  Godfrey's  last  mishap 
At  ease  he  found  the  net,  and  spied  the  trap. 

Thither  he  turned  again  where  seated  was, 
The  angry  lover,  'twixt  her  friends  and  lords, 
For  in  that  troop  much  talk  he  thought  would  pass, 
Each  great  assembly  store  of  news  affords, 
He  sided  there  a  lusty  lovely  lass, 
And  with  some  courtly  terms  the  wench  he  boards, 
He  feigns  acquaintance,  and  as  bold  appears 
As  he  had  known  that  virgin  twenty  years. 

He  said,  "  Would  some  sweet  lady  grace  me  so, 
To  chose  me  for  her  champion,  friend  and  knight, 
Proud  Godfrey's  or  Rinaldo's  head,  I  trow, 
Should  feel  the  sharpness  of  my  curtlax  bright; 
Ask  me  the  head,  fair  mistress,  of  some  foe, 
For  to  your  beauty  wooed  is  my  might ;  " 
So  he  began,  and  meant  in  speeches  wise 
Further  to  wade,  but  thus  he  broke  the  ice. 

Therewith  he  smiled,  and  smiling  gan  to  frame 
His  looks  so  to  their  old  and  native  grace, 
That  towards  him  another  virgin  came, 
Heard  him,  beheld  him,  and  with  bashful  face 
Said,  "  For  thy  mistress  choose  no  other  dame 
But  me,  on  me  thy  love  and  service  place, 
I  take  thee  for  my  champion,  and  apart 
Would  reason  with  thee,  if  my  knight  thou  art." 

Withdrawn,  she  thus  began,  "  Vafrine,  pardie, 
I  know  thee  well,  and  me  thou  knowest  of  old," 
To  his  last  trump  this  drove  the  subtle  spy, 
But  smiling  towards  her  he  turned  him  bold, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  397 

"  Ne'er  that  I  wot  I  saw  thee  erst  with  eye, 
Yet  for  thy  worth  all  eyes  should  thee  behold, 
Thus  much  I  know  right  well,  for  from  the  same 
Which  erst  you  gave  me  different  is  my  name. 

"  My  mother  bore  me  near  Bisertus  wall, 
Her  name  was  Lesbine,  mine  is  Almansore !  " 
"  I  knew  long  since,"  quoth  she,  "  what  men  thee  call, 
And  thine  estate,  dissemble  it  no  more, 
From  me  thy  friend  hide  not  thyself  at  all, 
If  I  betray  thee  let  me  die  therefore, 
I  am  Erminia,  daughter  to  a  prince, 
But  Tancred's  slave,  thy  fellow-servant  since; 

"  Two  happy  months  within  that  prison  kind, 
Under  thy  guard  rejoiced  I  to  dwell, 
And  thee  a  keeper  meek  and  good  did  find, 
The  same,  the  same  I  am;  behold  me  well." 
The  squire  her  lovely  beauty  called  to  mind, 
And  marked  her  visage  fair :  "  From  thee  expel 

All  fear,"  she  says,  "  for  me  live  safe  and  sure, 

I  will  thy  safety,  not  thy  harm  procure. 

"  But  yet  I  pray  thee,  when  thou  dost  return, 
To  my  dear  prison  lead  me  home  again; 
For  in  this  hateful  freedom  even  and  morn 
I  sigh  for  sorrow,  mourn  and  weep  for  pain: 
But  if  to  spy  perchance  thou  here  sojourn, 
Great  hap  thou  hast  to  know  these  secrets  plain, 
For  I  their  treasons  false,  false  trains  can  say, 
Which  few  beside  can  tell,  none  will  betray." 

On  her  he  gazed,  and  silent  stood  this  while, 
Armida's  sleights  he  knew,  and  trains  unjust, 
Women  have  tongues  of  craft,  and  hearts  of  guile, 
They  will,  they  will  not,  fools  that  on  them  trust, 
For  in  their  speech  is  death,  hell  in  their  smile; 
At  last  he  said,  "  If  hence  depart  you  lust, 
I  will  you  guide;  on  this  conclude  we  here, 
And  further  speech  till  fitter  time  forbear." 


398  TASSO 

Forthwith,  ere  thence  the  camp  remove,  to  ride 
They  were  resolved,  their  flight  that  season  fits, 
Vafrine  departs,  she  to  the  dames  beside 
Returns,  and  there  on  thorns  awhile  she  sits, 
Of  her  new  knight  she  talks,  till  time  and  tide 
To  scape  unmarked  she  find,  then  forth  she  gets, 
Thither  where  Vafrine  her  unseen  abode, 
There  took  she  horse,  and  from  the  camp  they  rode. 

And  now  in  deserts  waste  and  wild  arrived, 
Far  from  the  camp,  far  from  resort  and  sight, 
Vafrine  began,  "  Gainst  Godfrey's  life  contrived 
The  false  compacts  and  trains  unfold  aright :  " 
Then  she  those  treasons,  from  their  spring  derived, 
Repeats,  and  brings  their  hid  deceits  to  light, 
"Eight  knights,"  she  says, "all  courtiers  brave,  there  are, 
But  Ormond  strong  the  rest  surpasseth  far: 

"  These,  whether  hate  or  hope  of  gain  them  move, 
Conspired  have,  and  framed  their  treason  so, 
That  day  when  Emiren  by  fight  shall  prove 
To  win  lost  Asia  from  his  Christian  foe, 
These,  with  the  cross  scored  on  their  arms  above, 
And  armed  like  Frenchmen  will  disguised  go, 

Like  Godfrey's  guard  that  gold  and  white  do  wear, 
Such  shall  their  habit  be,  and  such  their  gear: 

"  Yet  each  will  bear  a  token  in  his  crest, 
That  so  their  friends  for  Pagans  may  them  know: 
But  in  close  fight  when  all  the  soldiers  best 
Shall  mingled  be,  to  give  the  fatal  blow 
They  will  keep  near,  and  pierce  Godfredo's  breast, 
While  of  his  faithful  guard  they  bear  false  show, 
And  all  their  swords  are  dipped  in  poison  strong, 
Because  each  wound  shall  bring  sad  death  ere  long. 

"  And  for  their  chieftain  wist  I  knew  your  guise, 
What  garments,  ensigns,  and  what  arms  you  carry, 
Those  feigned  arms  he  forced  me  to  devise, 
So  that  from  yours  but  small  or  naught  they  vary; 


JERUSALEM  DELIVERED  399 

But  these  unjust  commands  my  thoughts  despise, 
Within  their  camp  therefore  I  list  not  tarry, 

My  heart  abhors  I  should  this  hand  defile 

With  spot  of  treason,  or  with  act  of  guile. 

"  This  is  the  cause,  but  not  the  cause  alone : " 
And  there  she  ceased,  and  blushed,  and  on  the  main 
Cast  down  her  eyes,  these  last  words  scant  outgone, 
She  would  have  stopped,  nor  durst  pronounce  them  plain. 
The  squire  what  she  concealed  would  know,  as  one 
That  from  her  breast  her  secret  thoughts  could  strain, 
"  Of  little  faith,"  quoth  he,  "  why  would'st  thou  hide 
Those  causes  true,  from  me  thy  squire  and  guide  ?  '* 

With  that  she  fetched  a  sigh,  sad,  sore  and  deep, 
And  from  her  lips  her  words  slow  trembling  came, 
"  Fruitless,"  she  said,  "  untimely,  hard  to  keep, 
Vain  modesty  farewell,  and  farewell  shame, 
Why  hope  you  restless  love  to  bring  on  sleep? 
Why  strive  you  fires  to  quench,  sweet  Cupid's  flame? 
No,  no,  such  cares,  and  such  respects  beseem 
Great  ladies,  wandering  maids  them  naught  esteem. 

"  That  night  fatal  to  me  and  Antioch  town, 
Then  made  a  prey  to  her  commanding  foe, 
My  loss  was  greater  than  was  seen  or  known, 
There  ended  not,  but  thence  began  my  woe: 
Light  was  the  loss  of  friends,  of  realm  or  crown ; 
But  with  my  state  I  lost  myself  also, 
Ne'er  to  be  found  again,  for  then  I  lost 
My  wit,  my  sense,  my  heart,  my  soul  almost. 

"  Through  fire  and  sword,  through  blood  and  death,  Vafrine, 
Which  all  my  friends  did  burn,  did  kill,  did  chase, 
Thou  know'st  I  ran  to  thy  dear  lord  and  mine, 
When  first  he  entered  had  my  father's  place, 
And  kneeling  with  salt  ears  in  my  swollen  eyne ; 
'  Great  prince,'  quoth  I,  '  grant  mercy,  pity,  grace, 

Save  not  my  kingdom,  not  my  life  I  said, 

But  save  mine  honor,  let  me  die  a  maid.' 


400 


TASSO 

"  He  lift  me  by  the  trembling  hand  from  ground, 
Nor  stayed  he  till  my  humble  speech  was  done; 
But  said, '  A  friend  and  keeper  hast  thou  found, 
Fair  virgin,  nor  to  me  in  vain  you  run : ' 
A  sweetness  strange  from  that  sweet  voice's  sound 
Pierced  my  heart,  my  breast's  weak  fortress  won, 
Which  creeping  through  my  bosom  soft  became 
A  wound,  a  sickness,  and  a  quenchless  flame. 

"  He  visits  me,  with  speeches  kind  and  grave 
He  sought  to  ease  my  grief,  and  sorrows'  smart 
He  said,  '  I  give  thee  liberty,  receive 
All  that  is  thine,  and  at  thy  will  depart : ' 
Alas,  he  robbed  me  when  he  thought  he  gave, 
Free  was  Erminia,  but  captived  her  heart, 

Mine  was  the  body,  his  the  soul  and  mind, 
He  gave  the  cage  but  kept  the  bird  behind. 

"  But  who  can  hide  desire,  or  love  suppress  ? 
Oft  of  his  worth  with  thee  in  talk  I  strove, 
Thou,  by  my  trembling  fit  that  well  could'st  guess 
What  fever  held  me,  saidst, '  Thou  art  in  love ; ' 
But  I  denied,  for  what  can  maids  do  less? 
And  yet  my  sighs  thy  sayings  true  did  prove, 

Instead  of  speech,  my  looks,  my  tears,  mine  eyes, 
Told  in  what  flame,  what  fire  thy  mistress  fries. 

"  Unhappy  silence,  well  I  might  have  told 
My  woes,  and  for  my  harms  have  sought  relief, 
Since  now  my  pains  and  plaints  I  utter  bold, 
Where  none  that  hears  can  help  or  ease  my  grief. 
From  him  I  parted,  and  did  close  upfold 
My  wounds  within  my  bosom,  death  was  chief 
Of  all  my  hopes  and  helps,  till  love's  sweet  flame 
Plucked  off  the  bridle  of  respect  and  shame, 

"  And  caused  me  ride  to  seek  my  lord  and  knight, 
For  he  that  made  me  sick  could  make  me  sound : 
But  on  an  ambush  I  mischanced  to  light 
Of  cruel  men,  in  armour  clothed  round, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  401 

Hardly  I  scaped  their  hand  by  mature  flight. 

And  fled  to  wilderness  and  desert  ground, 
And  there  I  lived  in  groves  and  forests  wild, 
With  gentle  grooms  and  shepherds'  daughters  mild. 

"  But  when  hot  love  which  fear  had  late  suppressed, 

Revived  again,  there  nould  I  longer  sit, 

But  rode  the  way  I  came,  nor  e'er  took  rest, 

Till  on  like  danger,  like  mishap  I  hit, 

A  troop  to  forage  and  to  spoil  addressed, 

Encountered  me,  nor  could  I  fly  from  it: 

Thus  was  I  ta'en,  and  those  that  had  me  caught, 
Egyptians  were,  and  me  to  Gaza  brought, 

"  And  for  a  present  to  their  captain  gave, 
Whom  I  entreated  and  besought  so  well, 
That  he  mine  honor  had  great  care  to  save, 
And  since  with  fair  Armida  let  me  dwell. 
Thus  taken  oft,  escaped  oft  I  have, 
Ah,  see  what  haps  I  passed,  what  dangers  fell, 
So  often  captive,  free  so  oft  again, 

Still  my  first  bands  I  keep,  still  my  first  chain. 

"  And  he  that  did  this  chain  so  surely  bind 
About  my  heart,  which  none  can  loose  but  he, 
Let  him  not  say,  '  Go,  wandering  damsel,  find 
Some  other  home,  thou  shalt  not  bide  with  me/ 
But  let  him  welcome  me  with  speeches  kind, 
And  in  my  wonted  prison  set  me  free :  " 

Thus  spake  the  princess,  thus  she  and  her  guide 
Talked  day  and  night,  and  on  their  journey  ride. 

Through  the  highways  Vafrino  would  not  pass, 
A  path  more  secret,  safe  and  short,  he  knew, 
And  now  close  by  the  city's  wall  he  was, 
When  sun  was  set,  night  in  the  east  upflew, 
With  drops  of  blood  besmeared  he  found  the  grass, 
And  saw  where  lay  a  warrior  murdered  new, 
That  all  be-bled  the  ground,  his  face  to  skies 
He  turns,  and  seems  to  threat,  though  dead  he  lies: 


402 


TASSO 

His  harness  and  his  habit  both  betrayed 
He  was  a  Pagan;   forward  went  the  squire, 
And  saw  whereas  another  champion  laid 
Dead  on  the  land,  all  soiled  with  blood  and  mire, 
"  This  was  some  Christian  knight,"  Vafrino  said : 
And  marking  well  his  arms  and  rich  attire, 

He  loosed  his  helm,  and  saw  his  visage  plain, 
And  cried,  "  Alas,  here  lies  Tancredi  slain ! " 

The  woful  virgin  tarried,  and  gave  heed 
To  the  fierce  looks  of  that  proud  Saracine, 
Till  that  high  cry,  full  of  sad  fear  and  dread, 
Pierced  through  her  heart  with  sorrow,  grief  and  pine, 
At  Tancred's  name  thither  she  ran  with  speed, 
Like  one  half  mad,  or  drunk  with  too  much  wine, 
And  when  she  saw  his  face,  pale,  bloodless,  dead, 
She  lighted,  nay,  she  stumbled  from  her  steed: 

Her  springs  of  tears  she  looseth  forth,  and  cries, 
"  Hither  why  bring' st  thou  me,  ah,  Fortune  blind  ? 
Where  dead,  for  whom  I  lived,  my  comfort  lies, 
Where  war  for  peace,  travail  for  rest  I  find; 
Tancred,  I  have  thee,  see  thee,  yet  thine  eyes 
Looked  not  upon  thy  love  and  handmaid  kind, 
Undo  their  doors,  their  lids  fast  closed  sever, 
Alas,  I  find  thee  for  to  lose  thee  ever. 

"  I  never  thought  that  to  mine  eyes,  my  dear, 
Thou  couldst  have  grievous  or  unpleasant  been ; 
But  now  would  blind  or  rather  dead  I  were, 
That  thy  sad  plight  might  be  unknown,  unseen! 
Alas!  where  is  thy  mirth  and  smiling  cheer? 
Where  are  thine  eyes'  clear  beams  and  sparkles  sheen? 
Of  thy  fair  cheek  where  is  the  purple  red, 
And  forehead's  whiteness?  are  all  gone,  all  dead? 

"  Though  gone,  though  dead,  I  love  thee  still,  behold; 
Death  wounds,  but  kills  not  love;  yet  if  thou  live, 
Sweet  soul,  still  in  his  breast,  my  follies  bold 
Ah,  pardon  love's  desires,  and  stealths  forgive; 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  403 

Grant  me  from  his  pale  mouth  some  kisses  cold, 
Since  death  doth  love  of  just  reward  deprive; 
And  of  thy  spoils  sad  death  afford  me  this, 
Let  me  his  mouth,  pale,  cold  and  bloodless,  kiss; 

"'  O  gentle  mouth !  with  speeches  kind  and  sweet 
Thou  didst  relieve  my  grief,  my  woe  and  pain, 
Ere  my  weak  soul  from  this  frail  body  fleet, 
Ah,  comfort  me  with  one  dear  kiss  or  twain! 
Perchance  if  we  alive  had  happed  to  meet, 
They  had  been  given  which  now  are  stolen,  O  vain, 
O  feeble  life,  betwixt  his  lips  put  fly, 
Oh,  let  me  kiss  thee  first,  then  let  me  die! 

"  Receive  my  yielding  spirit,  and  with  thine 
Guide  it  to  heaven,  where  all  true  love  hath  place:" 
This  said,  she  sighed,  and  tore  her  tresses  fine, 
And  from  her  eyes  two  streams  poured  on  his  face, 
The  man  revived,  with  those  showers  divine 
Awaked,  and  opened  his  lips  a  space ; 

His  lips  were  open;  but  fast  shut  his  eyes, 
And  with  her  sighs,  one  sigh  from  him  upflies. 

The  dame  perceived  that  Tancred  breathed  and  sighed, 
Which  calmed  her  grief  somedeal  and  eased  her  fears: 
"  Unclose  thine  eyes,"  she  says,  "  my  lord  and  knight, 
See  my  last  services,  my  plaints  and  tears, 
See  her  that  dies  to  see  thy  woful  plight, 
Tliat  of  thy  pain  her  part  and  portion  bears ; 
Once  look  on  me,  small  is  the  gift  I  crave, 
The  last  which  thou  canst  give,  or  I  can  have." 

Tancred  looked  up,  and  closed  his  eyes  again, 
Heavy  and  dim,  and  she  renewed  her  woe. 
Quoth  Vafrine,  "  Cure  him  first,  and  then  complain, 
Medicine  is  life's  chief  friend ;  plaint  her  most  foe :  " 
They  plucked  his  armor  off,  and  she  each  vein, 
Each  joint,  and  sinew  felt,  and  handled  so, 

And  searched  so  well  each  thrust,  each  cut  and  wound, 
That  hope  of  life  her  love  and  skill  soon  found. 


404  TASSO 

From  weariness  and  loss  of  blood  she  spied 

His  greatest  pains  and  anguish  most  proceed, 

Naught  but  her  veil  amid  those  deserts  wide 

She  had  to  bind  his  wounds,  in  so  great  need, 

But  love  could  other  bands,  though  strange,  provide, 

And  pity  wept  for  joy  to  see  that  deed, 

For  with  her  amber  locks  cut  off,  each  wound 
She  tied :  O  happy  man,  so  cured  so  bound  1 

For  why  her  veil  was  short  and  thin,  those  deep 
And  cruel  hurts  to  fasten,  roll  and  blind, 
Nor  salve  nor  simple  had  she,  yet  to  keep 
Her  knight  on  live,  strong  charms  of  wondrous  kind 
She  said,  and  from  him  drove  that  deadly  sleep, 
That  now  his  eyes  he  lifted,  turned  and  twined, 
And  saw  his  squire,  and  saw  that  courteous  dame 
In  habit  strange,  and  wondered  whence  she  came. 

He  said,  "  O  Vafrine,  tell  me,  whence  com'st  thou? 
And  who  this  gentle  surgeon  is,  disclose ;  " 
She  smiled,  she  sighed,  she  looked  she  wist  not  how, 
She  wept,  rejoiced,  she  blushed  as  red  as  rose. 
"  You  shall  know  all,"  she  says,  "  your  surgeon  now 
Commands  you  silence,  rest  and  soft  repose, 
You  shall  be  sound,  prepare  my  guerdon  meet," 
His  head  then  laid  she  in  her  bosom  sweet. 

Vafrine  devised  this  while  how  he  might  bear 
His  master  home,  ere  night  obscured  the  land, 
When  lo,  a  troop  of  soldiers  did  appear, 
Whom  he  descried  to  be  Tancredi's  band, 
With  him  when  he  and  Argant  met  they  were ; 
But  when  they  went  to  combat  hand  for  hand, 
He  bade  them  stay  behind,  and  they  obeyed, 
But  came  to  seek  him  now,  so  long  he  stayed. 

Besides  them,  many  followed  that  enquest, 
But  these  alone  found  out  the  rightest  way, 
Upon  their  friendly  arms  the  men  addressed 
A  seat  whereon  he  sat,  he  leaned,  he  lay : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  405 

Quoth  Tancred,  "  Shall  the  strong  Circassian  rest 
In  this  broad  field,  for  wolves  and  crows  a  prey  ? 
Ah  no,  defraud  not  you  that  champion  brave 
Of  his  just  praise,  of  his  due  tomb  and  grave : 

"  With  his  dead  bones  no  longer  war  have  I, 

Boldly  he  died  and  nobly  was  he  slain, 

Then  let  us  not  that  honor  him  deny 

Which  after  death  alonely  doth  remain :  " 

The  Pagan  dead  they  lifted  up  on  high, 

And  after  Tancred  bore  him  through  the  plain. 
Close  by  the  virgin  chaste  did  Vafrine  ride, 
As  he  that  was  her  squire,  her  guard,  her  guide. 

"  Not  home,"  quoth  Tancred,  "  to  my  wonted  tent, 
But  bear  me  to  this  royal  town,  I  pray, 
That  if  cut  short  by  human  accident 
I  die,  there  I  may  see  my  latest  day, 
The  place  where  Christ  upon  his  cross  was  rent 
To  heaven  perchance  may  easier  make  the  way, 
And  ere  I  yield  to  Death's  and  Fortune's  rage, 
Performed  shall  be  my  vow  and  pilgrimage." 

Thus  to  the  city  was  Tancredi  borne, 

And  fell  on  sleep,  laid  on  a  bed  of  down. 

Vafrino  where  the  damsel  might  sojourn 

A  chamber  got,  close,  secret,  near  his  own : 

That  done  he  came  the  mighty  duke  beforn, 

And  entrance  found,  for  till  his  news  were  known, 

Naught  was  concluded  mongst  those  knights  and  lords, 
Their  counsel  hung  on  his  report  and  words. 

Where  weak  and  weary  wounded  Raymond  laid, 
Godfrey  was  set  upon  his  couch's  side, 
And  round  about  the  man  a  ring  was  made 
Of  lords  and  knights  that  filled  the  chamber  wide; 
There  while  the  squire  his  late  discovery  said, 
To  break  his  talk,  none  answered,  none  replied, 
"  My  lord,"  he  said,  "  at  your  command  I  went 
And  viewed  their  camp,  each  cabin,  booth  and  tent ; 


4o6  TASSO 

"  But  of  that  mighty  host  the  number  true 
Expect  not  that  I  can  or  should  descry, 
All  covered  with  their  armies  might  you  view 
The  fields,  the  plains,  the  dales  and  mountains  high, 
I  saw  what  way  soe'er  they  went  and  drew, 
They  spoiled  the  land,  drunk  floods  and  fountains  dry, 
For  not  whole  Jordan  could  have  given  them  drink, 
Nor  all  the  grain  in  Syria,  bread,  I  think. 

"  But  yet  amongst  them  many  bands  are  found 
Both  horse  and  foot,  of  little  force  and  might, 
That  keep  no  order,  know  no  trumpet's  sound, 
That  draw  no  sword,  but  far  off  shoot  and  fight, 
But  yet  the  Persian  army  doth  abound 
With  many  a  footman  strong  and  hardy  knight, 
So  doth  the  king's  own  troop  which  all  is  framed 
Of  soldiers  old,  the  Immortal  Squadron  named. 

"  Immortal  called  is  that  band  of  right, 
For  of  that  number  never  wanteth  one, 
But  in  his  empty  place  some  other  knight 
Steps  in,  when  any  man  is  dead  or  gone : 
This  army's  leader  Emireno  hight, 
Like  whom  in  wit  and  strength  are  few  or  none, 
Who  hath  in  charge  in  plain  and  pitched  field, 
To  fight  with  you,  to  make  you  fly  or  yield. 

"  And  well  I  know  their  army  and  their  host 
Within  a  day  or  two  will  here  arrive : 
But  thee  Rinaldo  it  behoveth  most 
To  keep  thy  noble  head,  for  which  they  strive, 
For  all  the  chief  in  arms  or  courage  boast 
They  will  the  same  to  Queen  Armida  give, 
And  for  the  same  she  gives  herself  in  price, 
Such  hire  will  many  hands  to  work  entice. 

"  The  chief  of  these  that  have  thy  murder  sworn, 
Is  Altamore,  the  king  of  Samarcand ! 
Adrastus  then,  whose  realm  lies  near  the  morn, 
A  hardy  giant,  bold,  and  strong  of  hand, 


JERUSALEM  DELIVERED          407 

This  king  upon  an  elephant  is  borne, 
For  under  him  no  horse  can  stir  or  stand ; 

The  third  is  Tisipherne,  as  brave  a  lord 

As  ever  put  on  helm  or  girt  on  sword." 

This  said,  from  young  Rinaldo's  angry  eyes, 

Flew  sparks  of  wrath,  flames  in  his  visage  shined, 

He  longed  to  be  amid  those  enemies, 

Nor  rest  nor  reason  in  his  heart  could  find. 

But  to  the  Duke  Vafrine  his  talk  applies, 

"  The  greatest  news,  my  lord,  are  yet  behind, 

For  all  their  thoughts,  their  crafts  and  counsels  tend 
By  treason  false  to  bring  thy  life  to  end." 

Then  all  from  point  to  point  he  gan  expose 
The  false  compact,  how  it  was  made  and  wrought, 
The  arms  and  ensigns  feigned,  poison  close, 
Ormonde's  vaunt,  what  praise,  what  thank  he  sought, 
And  what  reward,  and  satisfied  all  those 
That  would  demand,  inquire,  or  ask  of  aught. 
Silence  was  made  awhile,  when  Godfrey  thus, — 
"  Raymondo,  say,  what  counsel  givest  thou  us  ?  " 

"  Not  as  we  purposed  late,  next  morn,"  quoth  he, 
"  Let  us  not  scale,  but  round  besiege  this  tower, 
That  those  within  may  have  no  issue  free 
To  sally  out,  and  hurt  us  with  their  power, 
Our  camp  well  rested  and  refreshed  see, 
Provided  well  gainst  this  last  storm  and  shower, 

And  then  in  pitched  field,  fight,  if  you  will ; 

If  not,  delay  and  keep  this  fortress  still. 

"  But  lest  you  be  endangered,  hurt,  or  slain, 
Of  all  your  cares  take  care  yourself  to  save, 
By  you  this  camp  doth  live,  doth  win,  doth  reign, 
Who  else  can  rule  or  guide  these  squadrons  brave? 
And  for  the  traitors  shall  be  noted  plain, 
Command  your  guard  to  change  the  arms  they  have, 
So  shall  their  guile  be  known,  in  their  own  net 
So  shall  they  fall,  caught  in  the  snare  they  set." 


4o8  TASSO 

"  As  it  hath  ever,"  thus  the  Duke  begun, 
"  Thy  counsel  shows  thy  wisdom  and  thy  love, 
And  what  you  left  in  doubt  shall  thus  be  done, 
We  will  their  force  in  pitched  battle  prove; 
Closed  in  this  wall  and  trench,  the  fight  to  shun, 
Doth  ill  this  camp  beseem,  and  worse  behove, 
But  we  their  strength  and  manhood  will  assay, 
And  try,  in  open  field  and  open  day. 

"  The  fame  of  our  great  conquests  to  sustain, 
Or  bide  our  looks  and  threats,  they  are  not  able, 
And  when  this  army  is  subdued  and  slain 
Then  is  our  empire  settled,  firm  and  stable, 
The  tower  shall  yield,  or  but  resist  in  vain, 
For  fear  her  anchor  is,  despair  her  cable." 
Thus  he  concludes,  and  rolling  down  the  west 
Fast  set  the  stars,  and  called  them  all  to  rest 


TWENTIETH   BOOK 


THE  ARGUMENT. 

The  Pagan  host  arrives,  and  cruel  fight 
Makes  with  the  Christians  and  their  faithful  power; 
The  Soldan  longs  in  field  to  prove  his  might,      t 
With  the  old  king  quits  the  besieged  tower; 
Yet  both  are  slain,  and  in  eternal  night 
A  famous  hand  gives  each  his  fatal  hour; 
Rinald  appeased  Armida;  first  the  field 
The  Christians  win,  then  praise  to  God  they  yield. 

THE  sun  called  up  the  world  from  idle  sleep, 
And  of  the  day  ten  hours  were  gone  and  past 
When  the  bold  troop  that  had  the  tower  to  keep 
Espied  a  sudden  mist,  that  overcast 
The  earth  with  mirksome  clouds  and  darkness  deep, 
And  saw  it  was  the  Egyptian  camp  at  last 

Which  raised  the  dust,  for  hills  and  valleys  broad 
That  host  did  overspread  and  overload. 

Therewith  a  merry  shout  and  joyful  cry 
The  Pagans  reared  from  their  besieged  hold; 
The  cranes  from  Thrace  with  such  a  rumor  fly, 
His  hoary  frost  and  snow  when  Hyems  old 
Pours  down,  and  fast  to  warmer  regions  hie, 
From  the  sharp  winds,  fierce  storms  and  tempests  cold ; 
And  quick,  and  ready  this  new  hope  and  aid, 
Their  hands  to  shoot,  their  tongues  to  threaten  made. 

From  whence  their  ire,  their  wrath  and  hardy  threat 
Proceeds,  the  French  well  knew,  and  plain  espied, 
For  from  the  walls  and  ports  the  army  great 
They  saw ;  her  strength,  her  number,  pomp,  and  pride, 
Swelled  their  breasts  with  valor's  noble  heat ; 
Battle  and  fight  they  wished,  "  Arm,  arm !  "  they  cried ; 
The  youth  to  give  the  sign  of  fight  all  prayed 
Their  Duke,  and  were  displeased  because  delayed 
409 


4io  TASSO 

Till  morning  next,  for  he  refused  to  fight ; 
Their  haste  and  heat  he  bridled,  but  not  brake, 
Nor  yet  with  sudden  fray  or  skirmish  light 
Of  these  new  foes  would  he  vain  trial  make. 
"  After  so  many  wars,"  he  says,  "  good  right 
It  is,  that  one  day's  rest  at  least  you  take," 
For  thus  in  his  vain  foes  he  cherish  would 
The  hope  which  in  their  strength  they  have  and  hold. 

To  see  Aurora's  gentle  beam  appear, 
The  soldiers  armed,  prest  and  ready  lay, 
The  skies  were  never  half  so  fair  and  clear 
As  in  the  breaking  of  that  blessed  day, 
The  merry  morning  smiled,  and  seemed  to  wear 
Upon  her  silver  crown  sun's  golden  ray, 

And  without  cloud  heaven  his  redoubled  light 
Bent  down  to  see  this  field,  this  fray,  this  fight. 

When  first  he  saw  the  daybreak  show  and  shine, 
Godfrey  his  host  in  good  array  brought  out, 
And  to  besiege  the  tyrant  Aladine 
Raymond  he  left,  and  all  the  faithful  rout 
That  from  the  towns  was  come  of  Palestine 
To  serve  and  succor  their  deliverer  stout, 
And  with  them  left  a  hardy  troop  beside 
Of  Gascoigns  strong,  in  arms  well  proved,  oft  tried. 

Such  was  Godfredo's  countenance,  such  his  cheer, 
That  from  his  eye  sure  conquest  flames  and  streams, 
Heaven's  gracious  favors  in  his  looks  appear, 
And  great  and  goodly  more  than  erst  he  seems ; 
His  face  and  forehead  full  of  noblesse  were, 
And  on  his  cheek  smiled  youth's  purple  beams, 
And  in  his  gait,  his  grace,  his  acts,  his  eyes, 
Somewhat,  far  more  than  mortal,  lives  and  lies. 

He  had  not  marched  far  ere  he  espied 

Of  his  proud  foes  the  mighty  host  draw  nigh; 

A  hill  at  first  he  took  and  fortified 

At  his  left  hand  which  stood  his  army  by, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  4n 

Broad  in  the  front  behind  more  strait  uptied 

His  army  ready  stood  the  fight  to  try, 
And  to  the  middle  ward  well  armed  he  brings 
His  footmen  strong,  his  horsemen  served  for  wings. 

To  the  left  wing,  spread  underneath  the  bent 
Of  the  steep  hill  that  saved  their  flank  and  side, 
The  Roberts  twain,  two  leaders  good,  he  sent; 
His  brother  had  the  middle  ward  to  guide ; 
To  the  right  wing  himself  in  person  went 
Down,  where  the  plain  was  dangerous,  broad  and  wide, 
And  where  his  foes  with  their  great  numbers  would 
Perchance  environ  round  his  squadrons  bold. 

There  all  his  Lorrainers  and  men  of  might, 
All  his  best  armed  he  placed,  and  chosen  bands, 
And  with  those  horse  some  footmen  armed  light, 
That  archers  were,  used  to  that  service,  stands; 
The  adventurers  then,  in  battle  and  in  fight 
Well  tried,  a  squadron  famous  through  all  lands, 

On  the  right  hand  he  set,  somedeal  aside, 

Rinaldo  was  their  leader,  lord  and  guide. 

To  whom  the  Duke,  "  In  thee  our  hope  is  laid 
Of  victory,  thou  must  the  conquest  gain, 
Behind  this  mighty  wing,  so  far  displayed, 
Thou  with  thy  noble  squadron  close  remain; 
And  when  the  Pagans  would  our  backs  invade, 
Assail  them  then,  and  make  their  onset  vain ; 
For  if  I  guess  aright,  they  have  in  mind 
To  compass  us,  and  charge  our  troops  behind." 

Then  through  his  host,  that  took  so  large  a  scope, 
He  rode,  and  viewed  them  all,  both  horse  and  foot ; 
His  face  was  bare,  his  helm  unclosed  and  ope, 
Lightened  his  eyes,  his  looks  bright  fire  shot  out; 
He  cheers  the  fearful,  comforts  them  that  hope, 
And  to  the  bold  recounts  his  boasting  stout, 
And  to  the  valiant  his  adventures  hard, 

These  bids  he  look  for  praise,  those  for  reward. 

Classics.      Vol.    35— S 


412 


TASSO 

At  last  he  stayed  where  of  his  squadrons  bold 
And  noblest  troops  assembled  was  best  part ; 
There  from  a  rising  bank  his  will  he  told, 
And  all  that  heard  his  speech  thereat  took  heart : 
And  as  the  mountain  snow  from  mountains  cold 
Runs  down  in  streams  with  eloquence  and  art, 
So  from  his  lips  his  words  and  speeches  fell, 
Shrill,  speedy,  pleasant,  sweet,  and  placed  well. 

"  My  hardy  host,  you  conquerors  of  the  East, 
You  scourge  wherewith  Christ  whips  his  heathen  fbne, 
Of  victory  behold  the  latest  feast, 
See  the  last  day  for  which  you  wished  alone ; 
Not  without  cause  the  Saracens  most  and  least 
Our  gracious  Lord  hath  gathered  here  in  one, 
For  all  your  foes  and  his  assembled  are, 
That  one  day's  fight  may  end  seven  years  of  war. 

"  This  fight  shall  bring  us  many  victories, 
The  danger  none,  the  labor  will  be  small, 
Let  not  the  number  of  your  enemies 
Dismay  your  hearts,  grant  fear  no  place  at  all ; 
For  strife  and  discord  through  their  army  flies, 
Their  bands  ill  ranked  themselves  entangle  shall, 
And  few  of  them  to  strike  or  fight  shall  come, 
For  some  want  strength,  some  heart,  some  elbow-room. 

"  This  host,  with  whom  you  must  encounter  now, 
Are  men  half  naked,  without  strength  or  skill, 
From  idleness,  or  following  the  plough, 
Late  pressed  forth  to  war  against  their  will, 
Their  swords  are  blunt,  shields  thin,  soon  pierced  through, 
Their  banners  shake,  their  bearers  shrink,  for  ill 
Their  leaders  heard,  obeyed,  or  followed  be, 
Their  loss,  their  flight,  their  death  I  will  foresee. 

"  Their  captain  clad  in  purple,  armed  in  gold, 
That  seems  so  fierce,  so  hardy,  stout  and  strong, 
The  Moors  or  weak  Arabians  vanquish  could, 
.Yet  can  he  not  resist  your  valors  long. 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  413 

What  can  he  do,  though  wise,  though  sage,  though  bold, 
In  that  confusion,  trouble,  thrust  and  throng? 
Ill  known  he  is,  and  worse  he  knows  his  host, 
Strange  lords  ill  feared  are,  ill  obeyed  of  most. 

"  But  I  am  captain  of  this  chosen  crew, 
With  whom  I  oft  have  conquered,  triumphed  oft, 
Your  lands  and  lineages  long  since  I  knew, 
Each  knight  obeys  my  rule,  mild,  easy,  soft, 
I  know  each  sword,  each  dart,  each  shaft  I  view, 
Although  the  quarrel  fly  in  skies  aloft, 

Whether  the  same  of  Ireland  be,  or  France, 

And  from  what  bow  it  comes,  what  hand  perchance. 

"  I  ask  an  easy  and  a  usual  thing, 

As  you  have  oft,  this  day,  so  win  the  field, 

Let  zeal  and  honor  be  your  virtue's  sting, 

Your  lives,  my  fame,  Christ's  faith  defend  and  shield, 

To  earth  these  Pagans  slain  and  wounded  bring, 

Tread  on  their  necks,  make  them  all  die  or  yield, — 

What  need  I  more  exhort  you?  from  your  eyes 

I  see  how  victory,  how  conquest  flies." 

Upon  the  captain,  when  his  speech  was  done, 
It  seemed  a  lamp  and  golden  light  down  came, 
As  from  night's  azure  mantle  oft  doth  run 
Or  fall,  a  sliding  star,  or  shining  flame  ; 
But  from  the  bosom  of  the  burning  sun 
Proceeded  this,  and  garland-wise  the  same 
Godfredo's  noble  head  encompassed  round,  ' 
And,  as  some  thought,  foreshowed  he  should  be  crowned. 

Perchance,  if  man's  proud  thought  or  saucy  tongue 
Have  leave  to  judge  or  guess  at  heavenly  things, 
This  was  the  angel  which  had  kept  him  long, 
That  now  came  down,  and  hid  him  with  his  wings. 
While  thus  the  Duke  bespeaks  his  armies  strong, 
And  every  troop  and  band  in  order  brings. 
Lord  Emiren  his  host  disposed  well, 
And  with  bold  words  whet  on  their  courage  fell; 


TASSO 

The  man  brought  forth  his  army  great  with  speed, 
In  order  good,  his  foes  at  hand  he  spied, 
Like  the  new  moon  his  host  two  horns  did  spreed, 
In  midst  the  foot,  the  horse  were  on  each  side, 
The  right  wing  kept  he  for  himself  to  lead, 
Great  Altamore  received  the  left  to  guide, 

The  middle  ward  led  Muleasses  proud, 

And  in  that  battle  fair  Armida  stood. 

On  the  right  quarter  stood  the  Indian  grim, 
With  Tisipherne  and  all  the  king's  own  band; 
But  when  the  left  wing  spread  her  squadrons  trim 
O'er  the  large  plain,  did  Altamoro  stand, 
With  African  and  Persian  kings  with  him, 
And  two  that  came  from  Meroe's  hot  sand, 

And  all  his  crossbows  and  his  slings  he  placed, 
Where  room  best  served  to  shoot,  to  throw,  to  cast. 

Thus  Emiren  his  host  put  in  array, 

And  rode  from  band  to  band,  from  rank  to  rank, 

His  truchmen  now,  and  now  himself,  doth  say, 

What  spoil  his  folk  shall  gain,  what  praise,  what  thank. 

To  him  that  feared,  "  Look  up,  ours  is  the  day," 

He  says,  "  Vile  fear  to  bold  hearts  never  sank, 

How  dareth  one  against  an  hundred  fight? 

Our  cry,  our  shade,  will  put  them  all  to  flight." 

But  to  the  bold,  "  Go,  hardy  knight,"  he  says, 
"  His  prey  out  of  this  lion's  paws  go  tear :" 
To  some  before  his  thoughts  the  shape  he  lays, 
And  makes  therein  the  image  true  appear, 
How  his  sad  country  him  entreats  and  prays, 
His  house,  his  loving  wife,  and  children  dear: 
"  Suppose,"  quoth  he,  "  thy  country  doth  beseech 
And  pray  thee  thus,  suppose  this  is  her  speech. 

"  Defend  my  laws,  uphold  my  temples  brave, 
My  blood  from  washing  of  my  streets  withhold, 
From  ravishing  my  virgins  keep,  and  save 
Thine  ancestors'  dead  bones  and  ashes  cold ! 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  4,5 

To  thee  thy  fathers  dear  and  parents  grave 
Show  their  uncovered  heads,  white,  hoary,  old, 
To  thee  thy  wife — her  breasts  with  tears  o'erspread — • 
Thy  sons,  their  cradles,  shows,  thy  marriage  bed." 

To  all  the  rest,  "  You  for  her  honor's  sake 
Whom  Asia  makes  her  champions,  by  your  might 
Upon  these  thieves,  weak,  feeble,  few,  must  take 
A  sharp  revenge,  yet  just,  deserved  and  right." 
Thus  many  words  in  several  tong  es  he  spake, 
And  all  his  sundry  nations  to  sharp  fight 
Encouraged,  but  now  the  dukes  had  done 
Their  speeches  all,  the  hosts  together  run. 

It  was  a  great,  a  strange  and  wondrous  sight, 
When  front  to  front  those  noble  armies  met, 
How  every  troop,  how  in  each  troop  each  knight 
Stood  prest  to  move,  to  fight,  and  praise  to  get, 
Loose  in  the  wind  waved  their  ensigns  light, 
Trembled  the  plumes  that  on  their  crests  were  set; 
Their  arms,  impresses,  colors,  gold  and  stone, 
Against  the  sunbeams  smiled,  flamed,  sparkled,  shone. 

Of  dry  topped  oaks  they  seemed  two  forests  thick, 
So  did  each  host  with  spears  and  pikes  abound, 
Bent  were  their  bows,  in  rests  their  lances  stick, 
Their  hands  shook  swords,  their  slings  held  cobbles  round : 
Each  steed  to  run  was  ready,  prest  and  quick, 
At  his  commander's  spur,  his  hand,  his  sound, 
He  chafes,  he  stamps,  careers,  and  turns  about, 
He  foams,  snorts,  neighs,  and  fire  and  smoke  breathes  out 

Horror  itself  in  that  fair  fight  seemed  fair, 
And  pleasure  flew  amid  sad  dread  and  fear; 
The  trumpets  shrill,  that  thundered  in  the  air, 
Were  music  mild  and  sweet  to  every  ear: 
The  faithful  camp,  though  less,  yet  seemed  more  rare 
In  that  strange  noise,  more  warlike,  shrill  and  clear, 
In  notes  more  sweet,  the  Pagan  trumpets  jar, 
These  sung,  their  armors  shined,  these  glistered  far. 


TASSO 

The  Christian  trumpets  give  the  deadly  call, 
The  Pagans  answer,  and  the  fight  accept; 
The  godly  Frenchmen  on  their  knees  down  fall 
To  pray,  and  kissed  the  earth,  and  then  up  leapt 
To  fight,  the  land  between  was  vanished  all, 
In  combat  close  each  host  to  other  stepped ; 
For  now  the  wings  had  skirmish  hot  begun, 
And  with  their  battles  forth  the  footmen  run. 

But  who  was  first  of  all  the  Christian  train, 
That  gave  the  onset  first,  first  won  renown  ? 
Gildippes  thou  wert  she,  for  by  thee  slain 
The  King  of  Orms,  Hircano,  tumbled  down, 
The  man's  breastbone  thou  clov'st  and  rent  in  twain, 
So  Heaven  with  honor  would  thee  bless  and  crown, 
Pierced  through  he  fell,  and  falling  hard  withal 
His  foe  praised  for  her  strength  and  for  his  fall. 

Her  lance  thus  broke,  the  hardy  dame  forth  drew 
With  her  strong  hand  a  fine  and  trenchant  blade, 
And  gainst  the  Persians  fierce  and  bold  she  flew, 
And  in  their  troop  wide  streets  and  lanes  she  made, 
Even  in  the  girdling-stead  divided  new 
In  pieces  twain,  Zopire  on  earth  she  laid ; 
And  then  Alarco's  head  she  swept  off  clean, 
Which  like  a  football  tumbled  on  the  green. 

A  blow  felled  Artaxerxes,  with  a  thrust 
Was  Argeus  slain,  the  first  lay  in  a  trance, 
Ismael's  left  hand  cut  off  fell  in  the  dust, 
For  on  his  wrist  her  sword  fell  down  by  chance: 
The  hand  let  go  the  bridle  where  it  lust, 
The  blow  upon  the  courser's  ears  did  glance, 
Who  felt  the  reins  at  large,  and  with  the  stroke 
Half  mad,  the  ranks  disordered,  troubled,  broke. 

All  these,  and  many  mo,  by  time  forgot, 
She  slew  and  wounded,  when  against  her  came 
The  angry  Persians  all,  cast  on  a  knot, 
For  on  her  person  would  they  purchase  fame : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  417 

But  her  dear  spouse  and  husband  wanted  not 

In  so  great  need,  to  aid  the  noble  dame; 
Thus  joined,  the  haps  of  war  unhurt  they  prove, 
Their  strength  was  double,  double  was  their  love. 

The  noble  lovers  use  well  might  you  see, 
A  wondrous  guise,  till  then  unseen,  unheard, 
To  save  themselves  forgot  both  he  and  she, 
Each  other's  life  did  keep,  defend,  and  guard; 
The  strokes  that  gainst  her  lord  discharged  be, 
The  dame  had  care  to  bear,  to  break,  to  ward, 
His  shield  kept  off  the  blows  bent  on  his  dear, 
Which,  if  need  be,  his  naked  head  should  bear. 

So  each  saved  other,  each  for  other's  wrong 
Would  vengeance  take,  but  not  revenge  their  own: 
The  valiant  Soldan  Artabano  strong 
Of  Boecan  Isle,  by  her  was  overthrown, 
And  by  his  hand,  the  bodies  dead  among, 
Alvante,  that  durst  his  mistress  wound,  fell  down, 
And  she  between  the  eyes  hit  Arimont, 
Who  hurt  her  lord,  and  cleft  in  twain  his  front. 

But  Altamore  who  had  that  wing  to  lead 
Far  greater  slaughter  on  the  Christians  made ; 
For  where  he  turned  his  sword,  or  twined  his  steed, 
He  slew,  or  man  and  beast  on  earth  down  laid, 
Happy  was  he  that  was  at  first  struck  dead, 
That  fell  not  down  on  live,  for  whom  his  blade 
Had  speared,  the  same  cast  in  the  dusty  street 
His  horse  tore  with  his  teeth,  bruised  with  his  feet. 

By  this  brave  Persian's  valor,  killed  and  slain 
Were  strong  Brunello  and  Ardonia  great; 
The  first  his  head  and  helm  had  cleft  in  twain, 
The  last  in  stranger-wise  he  did  intreat, 
For  through  his  heart  he  pierced,  and  through  the  vein 
Where  laughter  hath  his  fountain  and  his  seat, 
So  that,  a  dreadful  thing,  believed  uneath, 
He  laughed  for  pain,  and  laughed  himself  to  death. 


TASSO 

Nor  these  alone  with  that  accursed  knife, 
Of  this  sweet  light  and  breath  deprived  lie ; 
But  with  that  cruel  weapon  lost  their  life 
Gentonio,  Guascar,  Rosimond,  and  Guy; 
Who  knows  how  many  in  that  fatal  strife 
He  slew  ?  what  knights  his  courser  fierce  made  die  ? 
The  names  and  countries  of  the  people  slain 
Who  tells?  their  wounds  and  deaths  who  can  explain? 

With  this  fierce  king  encounter  durst  not  one, 

Not  one  durst  combat  him  in  equal  field, 

Gildippes  undertook  that  task  alone ; 

No  doubt  could  make  her  shrink,  no  danger  yield, 

By  Thermodont  was  never  Amazone, 

Who  managed  steeled  axe,  or  carried  shield, 
That  seemed  so  bold  as  she,  so  strong,  so  light, 
When  forth  she  run  to  meet  that  dreadful  knight. 

She  hit  him,  where  with  gold  and  rich  anmail, 
His  diadem  did  on  his  helmet  flame, 
She  broke  and  cleft  the  crown,  and  caused  him  veil 
His  proud  and  lofty  top,  his  crest  down  came, 
Strong  seemed  her  arm  that  could  so  well  assail : 
The  Pagan  shook  for  spite  and  blushed  for  shame, 
Forward  he  rushed,  and  would  at  once  requite 
Shame  with  disgrace,  and  with  revenge  despite. 

Right  on  the  front  he  gave  that  lady  kind 
,A  blow  so  huge,  so  strong,  so  great,  so  sore, 
That  out  of  sense  and  feeling,  down  she  twined: 
But  her  dear  knight  his  love  from  ground  upbore, 
Were  it  their  fortune,  or  his  noble  mind, 
He  stayed  his  hand  and  strook  the  dame  no  more : 
A  lion  so  stalks  by,  and  with  proud  eyes 
Beholds,  but  scorns  to  hurt  a  man  that  lies. 

This  while  Ormondo  false,  whose  cruel  hand 
Was  armed  and  prest  to  give  the  trait'rous  blow, 
With  all  his  fellows  mongst  Godfredo's  band 
Entered  unseen,  disguised  that  few  them  know : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  419 

The  thievish  wolves,  when  night  o'ershades  the  land, 
That  seem  like  faithful  dogs  in  shape  and  show, 
So  to  the  closed  folds  in  secret  creep, 
And  entrance  seek,  to  kill  some  harmless  sheep. 

He  preached  nigh,  and  to  Godfredo's  side 
The  bloody  Pagan  now  was  placed  near : 
But  when  his  colors  gold  and  white  he  spied, 
And  saw  the  other  signs  that  forged  were, 
"  See,  see,  this  traitor  false !  "  the  captain  cried, 
"  That  like  a  Frenchman  would  in  show  appear, 
Behold  how  near  his  mates  and  he  are  crept !  " 
This  said,  upon  the  villain  forth  he  leapt; 

Deadly  he  wounded  him,  and  that  false  knight 
Nor  strikes  nor  wards  nor  striveth  to  be  gone; 
But,  as  Medusa's  head  were  in  his  sight, 
Stood  like  a  man  new  turned  to  marble  stone, 
All  lances  broke,  unsheathed  all  weapons  bright, 
All  quivers  emptied  were  on  them  alone, 
In  parts  so  many  were  the  traitors  cleft, 
That  those  dead  men  had  no  dead  bodies  left 

When  Godfrey  was  with  Pagan  blood  bespread, 
He  entered  then  the  fight  and  that  was  past 
Where  the  bold  Persian  fought  and  combated, 
Where  the  close  ranks  he  opened,  cleft  and  brast ; 
Before  the  knight  the  troops  and  squadrons  fled, 
As  Afric  dust  before  the  southern  blast ; 

The  Duke  recalled  them,  in  array  them  placed, 
Stayed  those  that  fled,  and  him  assailed  that  chased. 

The  champions  strong  there  fought  a  battle  stout, 
Troy  never  saw  the  like  by  Xanthus  old : 
A  conflict  sharp  there  was  meanwhile  on  foot 
Twixt  Baldwin  good  and  Muleasses  bold: 
The  horsemen  also  near  the  mountains  rout, 
And  in  both  wings,  a  furious  skirmish  hold, 

And  where  the  barbarous  duke  in  person  stood, 

•Twixt  Tisiphernes  and  Adrastus  proud ; 


420  TASSO 

With  Emiren  Robert  the  Norman  strove, 
Long  time  they  fought,  yet  neither  lost  nor  won ; 
The  other  Robert's  helm  the  Indian  clove, 
And  broke  his  arms,  their  fight  would  soon  be  done: 
From  place  to  place  did  Tisiphernes  rove, 
And  found  no  match,  against  him  none  dust  run, 
But  where  the  press  was  thickest  thither  flew 
The  knight,  and  at  each  stroke  felled,  hurt,  or  slew. 

Thus  fought  they  long,  yet  neither  shrink  nor  yield, 
In  equal  balance  hung  their  hope  and  fear : 
All  full  of  broken  lances  lay  the  field, 
All  full  of  arms  that  cloven  and  shattered  were; 
Of  swords,  some  to  the  body  nail  the  shield, 
Some  cut  men's  throats,  and  some  their  bellies  tear; 
Of  bodies,  some  upright,  some  grovelling  lay, 
And  for  themselves  eat  graves  out  of  the  clay. 

Beside  his  lord  slain  lay  the  noble  steed, 
There  friend  with  friend  lay  killed  like  lovers  true, 
There  foe  with  foe,  the  live  under  the  dead, 
The  victor  under  him  whom  late  he  slew : 
A  hoarse  unperfect  sound  did  eachwhere  spread, 
Whence  neither  silence,  nor  plain  outcries  flew : 
There  fury  roars,  ire  threats,  and  woe  complains, 
One  weeps,  another  cries,  he  sighs  for  pains. 

The  arms  that  late  so  fair  and  glorious  seem, 
Now  soiled  and  slubbered,  sad  and  sullen  grow, 
The  steel  his  brightness  lost,  the  gold  his  beam ; 
The  colors  had  no  pride  nor  beauty's  show ; 
The  plumes  and  feathers  on  their  crests  that  stream, 
Are  strowed  wide  upon  the  earth  below : 
The  hosts  both  clad  in  blood,  in  dust  and  mire, 
Had  changed  their  cheer,  their  pride,  their  rich  attire. 

But  now  the  Moors,  Arabians,  Ethiops  black, 
Of  the  left  wing  that  held  the  utmost  marge, 
Spread  forth  their  troops,  and  purposed  at  the  back 
And  side  their  heedless  foes  to  assail  and  charge: 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  421 

Slingers  and  archers  were  not  slow  nor  slack 
To  shoot  and  cast,  when  with  his  battle  large 
Rinaldo  came,  whose  fury,  haste  and  ire, 
Seemed  earthquake,  thunder,  tempest,  storm  and  fire. 

The  first  he  met  was  Asimire,  his  throne 
That  set  in  Meroe's  hot  sunburnt  land, 
He  cut  his  neck  in  twain,  flesh,  skin  and  bone, 
The  sable  head  down  tumbled  on  the  sand ; 
But  when  by  death  of  this  black  prince  alone 
The  taste  of  blood  and  conquest  once  he  fand, 
Whole  squadrons  then,  whole  troops  to  earth  he  brought, 
Things  wondrous,  strange,  incredible  he  wrought. 

He  gave  more  deaths  than  strokes,  and  yet  his  blows 
Upon  his  feeble  foes  fell  oft  and  thick, 
To  move  three  tongues  as  a  fierce  serpent  shows, 
Which  rolls  the  one  she  hath  swift,  speedy,  quick, 
So  thinks  each  Pagan ;  each  Arabian  trows 
He  wields  three  swords,  all  in  one  hilt  that  stick ; 
His  readiness  their  eyes  so  blinded  hath, 
Their  dread  that  wonder  bred,  fear  gave  it  faith. 

The  Afric  tyrants  and  the  negro  kings 
Fell  down  on  heaps,  drowned  each  in  other's  blood, 
Upon  their  people  ran  the  knights  he  brings, 
Pricked  forward  by  their  guide's  example  good, 
Killed  were  the  Pagans,  broke  their  bows  and  slings : 
Some  died,  some  fell ;  some  yielded,  none  withstood : 
A  massacre  was  this,  no  fight ;  these  put 
Their  foes  to  death,  those  hold  their  throats  to  cut. 

Small  while  they  stood,  with  heart  and  hardy  face, 
On  their  bold  breasts  deep  wounds  and  hurts  to  bear, 
But  fled  away,  and  troubled  in  the  chase 
Their  ranks  disordered  be  with  too  much  fear: 
Rinaldo  followed  them  from  place  to  place, 
Till  quite  discomfit  and  dispersed  they  were. 
That  done,  he  stays,  and  all  his  knights  recalls. 
And  scorns  to  strike  his  foe  that  flies  or  falls. 


422  TASSO 

Like  as  the  wind  stopped  by  some  wood  or  hill, 
Grows  strong  and  fierce,  tears  boughs  and  trees  in  twain, 
But  with  mild  blasts,  more  temperate,  gentle,  still, 
Blows  through  the  ample  field  or  spacious  plain  j 
Against  the  rocks  as  sea-waves  murmur  shrill, 
But  silent  pass  amid  the  open  main: 

Rinaldo  so,  when  none  his  force  withstood, 
Assuaged  his  fury,  calmed  his  angry  mood; 

He  scorned  upon  their  fearful  backs  that  fled 
To  wreak  his  ire  and  spend  his  force  in  vain, 
But  gainst  the  footmen  strong  his  troops  he  led, 
Whose  side  the  Moors  had  open  left  and  plain, 
The  Africans  that  should  have  succored 
That  battle,  all  were  run  away  or  slain, 

Upon  their  flank  with  force  and  courage  stout 
His  men  at  arms  assailed  the  bands  on  foot : 

He  brake  their  pikes,  and  brake  their  close  array, 
Entered  their  battle,  felled  them  down  around, 
So  wind  or  tempest  with  impetuous  sway 
The  ears  of  ripened  corn  strikes  flat  to  ground: 
With  blood,  arms,  bodies  dead,  the  hardened  clay 
Plastered  the  earth,  no  grass  nor  green  was  found; 
The  horsemen  running  through  and  through  their  bands, 
Kill,  murder,  slay,  few  scape,  not  one  withstands. 

Rinaldo  came  where  his  forlorn  Armide 
Sate  on  her  golden  chariot  mounted  high, 
A  noble  guard  she  had  on  every  side 
Of  lords,  of  lovers,  and  much  chivalry: 
She  knew  the  man  when  first  his  arms  she  spied, 
Love,  hate,  wrath,  sweet  desire  strove  in  her  eye, 
He  changed  somedeal  his  look  and  countenance  bold, 
She  changed  from  frost  to  fire,  from  heat  to  cold. 

The  prince  passed  by  the  chariot  of  his  dear 
Like  one  that  did  his  thoughts  elsewhere  bestow, 
Yet  suffered  not  her  knights  and  lovers  near 
Their  rival  so  to  scape  withouten  blow, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  423 

One  drew  his  sword,  another  couched  his  spear, 

Herself  an  arrow  sharp  set  in  her  bow, 

Disdain  her  ire  new  sharped  and  kindled  hath, 
But  love  appeased  her,  love  assuaged  her  wrath. 

Love  bridled  fury,  and  revived  of  new 
His  fire,  not  dead,  though  buried  in  displeasure, 
Three  times  her  angry  hand  the  bow  updrew, 
And  thrice  again  let  slack  the  string  at  leisure ; 
But  wrath  prevailed  at  last,  the  reed  outflew, 
For  love  finds  mean,  but  hatred  knows  no  measure, 
Outflew  the  shaft,  but  with  the  shaft,  this  charm, 
This  wish  she  sent :  Heaven  grant  it  do  no  harm : 

She  bids  the  reed  return  the  way  it  went, 
And  pierce  her  heart  which  so  unkind  could  prove, 
Such  force  had  love,  though  lost  and  vainly  spent, 
What  strength  hath  happy,  kind  and  mutual  love? 
But  she  that  gentle  thought  did  straight  repent, 
Wath,  fury,  kindness,  in  her  bosom  strove, 
She  would,  she  would  not,  that  it  missed  or  hit, 
Her  eyes,  her  heart,  her  wishes  followed  it. 

But  yet  in  vain  the  quarrel  lighted  not, 
For  on  his  hauberk  hard  the  knight  it  hit, 
Too  hard  for  woman's  shaft  or  woman's  shot, 
Instead  of  piercing,  there  it  broke  and  split; 
He  turned  away,  she  burnt  with  fury  hot, 
And  thought  he  scorned  her  power,  and  in  that  fit 
Shot  oft  and  oft,  her  shafts  no  entrance  found, 
And  while  she  shot,  love  gave  her  wound  on  wound. 

"  And  is  he  then  unpierceable,"  quoth  she, 
"  That  neither  force  nor  foe  he  needs  regard  ? 
His  limbs,  perchance,  armed  with  that  hardness  be, 
Which  makes  his  heart  so  cruel  and  so  hard, 
No  shot  that  flies  from  eye  or  hand  I  see 
Hurts  him,  such  rigor  doth  his  person  guard, 
Armed,  or  disarmed;  his  foe  or  mistress  kind 
Despised  alike,  like  hate,  like  scorn  I  find. 


TASSO 

"  But  what  new  form  is  left,  device  or  art, 
By  which,  to  which  exchanged,  I  might  find  grace? 
For  in  my  knights,  and  ail  that  take  my  part, 
I  see  no  help;   no  hope,  no  trust  I  place; 
To  his  great  prowess,  might,  and  valiant  heart, 
All  strength  is  weak,  all  courage  vile  and  base." 
This  said  she,  for  she  saw  how  through  the  field 
Her  champions  fly,  faint,  tremble,  fall  and  yield. 

Nor  left  alone  can  she  her  person  save, 
But  to  be  slain  or  taken  stands  in  fear, 
Though  with  a  bow  a  javelin  long  she  have, 
Yet  weak  was  Phebe's  bow,  blunt  Pallas'  spear. 
But,  as  the  swan,  that  sees  the  eagle  brave 
Threatening  her  flesh  and  silver  plumes  to  tear, 

Falls  down,  to  hide  her  mongst  the  shady  brooks; 

Such  were  her  fearful  motions,  such  her  looks.      ( 

But  Altamore,  this  while  that  strove  and  sought 
From  shameful  flight  his  Persian  host  to  stay, 
That  was  discomfit  and  destroyed  to  nought, 
Whilst  he  alone  maintained  the  fight  and  fray, 
Seeing  distressed  the  goddess  of  his  thought, 
To  aid  her  ran,  nay  flew,  and  laid  away 
All  care  both  of  his  honor  and  his  host : 
If  she  were  safe,  let  all  the  world  be  lost. 

To  the  ill-guarded  chariot  swift  he  flew, 
His  weapon  made  him  way  with  bloody  war: 
Meanwhile  Lord  Godfrey  and  Rinaldo  slew 
His  feeble  bands,  his  people  murdered  are, 
He  saw  their  loss,  but  aided  not  his  crew, 
A  better  lover  than  a  leader  far, 

He  set  Armida  safe,  then  turned  again 
With  tardy  succor,  for  his  folk  were  slain. 

And  on  that  side  the  woful  prince  beheld 
The  battle  lost,  no  help  nor  hope  remained ; 
But  on  the  other  wing  the  Christians  yield, 
And  fly,  such  vantage  there  the  Egyptians  gained, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  415 

One  of  the  Roberts  was  nigh  slain  in  field ; 
The  other  by  the  Indian  strong  constrained 

To  yield  himself  his  captive  and  his  slave ; 

Thus  equal  loss  and  equal  foil  they  have. 

Godfredo  took  the  time  and  season  fit 
To  bring  again  his  squadrons  in  array, 
And  either  camp  well  ordered,  ranged  and  knit, 
Renewed  the  furious  battle,  fight  and  fray, 
New  streams  of  blood  were  shed,  new  swords  them  hit ; 
New  combats  fought,  new  spoils  were  borne  away, 
And  unresolved  and  doubtful,  on  each  side, 
Did  praise  and  conquest,  Mars  and  Fortune  ride. 

Between  the  armies  twain  while  thus  the  fight 
Waxed  sharp,  hot,  cruel,  though  renewed  but  late, 
The  Soldan  clomb  up  to  the  tower's  height, 
And  saw  far  off  their  strife  and  fell  debate, 
As  from  some  stage  or  theatre  the  knight 
Saw  played  the  tragedy  of  human  state, 

Saw  death,  blood,  murder,  woe  and  horror  strange, 
And  the  great  acts  of  fortune,  chance,  and  change. 

At  first  astonished  and  amazed  he  stood 
Then  burnt  with  wrath,  and  self-consuming  ire, 
Swelled  his  bosom  like  a  raging  flood, 
To  be  amid  that  battle;  such  desire, 
Such  haste  he  had ;  he  donned  his  helmet  good, 
His  other  arms  he  had  before  entire, 
"  Up,  up !  "  he  cried,  "  no  more,  no  more,  within 
This  fortress  stay,  come  follow,  die  or  win." 

Whether  the  same  were  Providence  divine 
That  made  him  leave  the  fortress  he  possessed, 
For  that  the  empire  proud  of  Palestine 
This  day  should  fall,  to  rise  again  more  blessed ; 
Or  that  he  breaking  felt  the  fatal  line 
Of  life,  and  would  meet  death  with  constant  breast, 
Furious  and  fierce  he  did  the  gates  unbar, 
And  sudden  rage  brought  forth,  and  sudden  war. 


426  TASSO 

Nor  stayed  he  till  the  folk  on  whom  he  cried 
Assemble  might,  but  out  alone  he  flies, 
A  thousand  foes  the  man  alone  defied, 
And  ran  among  a  thousand  enemies : 
But  with  his  fury  called  from  every  side, 
The  rest  run  out,  and  Aladine  forth  hies, 
The  cowards  had  no  fear,  the  wise  no  care, 
This  was  not  hope,  nor  courage,  but  despair. 

The  dreadful  Turk  with  sudden  blows  down  cast 
The  first  he  met,  nor  gave  them  time  to  plain 
Or  pray,  in  murdering  them  he  made  such  haste 
That  dead  they  fell  ere  one  could  see  them  slain ; 
From  mouth  to  mouth,  from  eye  to  eye  forth  passed 
The  fear  and  terror,  that  the  faithful  train 
Of  Syrian  folk,  not  used  to  dangerous  fight, 
Were  broken,  scattered,  and  nigh  put  to  flight. 

But  with  less  terror,  and  disorder  less, 
The  Gascoigns  kept  array,  and  kept  their  ground, 
Though  most  the  loss  and  peril  them  oppress, 
Unwares  assailed  they  were,  unready  found. 
No  ravening  tooth  or  talon  hard  I  guess 
Of  beast  or  eager  hawk,  doth  slay  and  wound 
So  many  sheep  or  fowls,  weak,  feeble,  small, 
As  his  sharp  sword  killed  knights  and  soldiers  tall. 

It  seemed  his  thirst  and  hunger  'suage  he  would 

With  their  slain  bodies,  and  their  blood  poured  out, 

With  him  his  troops  and  Aladino  old 

Slew  their  besiegers,  killed  the  Gascoign  rout: 

But  Raymond  ran  to  meet  the  Soldan  bold, 

Nor  to  encounter  him  had  fear  or  doubt, 

Though  his  right  hand  by  proof  too  well  he  know, 
Which  laid  him  late  for  dead  at  one  huge  blow. 

They  met,  and  Raymond  fell  amid  the  field, 
This  blow  again  upon  his  forehead  light, 
It  was  the  fault  and  weakness  of  his  eild, 
Age  is  not  fit  to  bear  strokes  of  such  might, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED 

Each  one  lift  up  his  sword,  advanced  his  shield, 
Those  would  destroy,  and  these  defend  the  knight. 
On  went  the  Soldan,  for  the  man  he  thought 
Was  slain,  or  easily  might  be  captive  brought. 

Among  the  rest  he  ran,  he  raged,  he  smote, 
And  in  small  space,  small  time,  great  wonders  wrought 
And  as  his  rage  him  led  and  fury  hot, 
To  kill  and  murder,  matter  new  he  sought: 
As  from  his  supper  poor  with  hungry  throat 
A  peasant  hastes,  to  a  rich  feast  ybrought ; 
So  from  this  skirmish  to  the  battle  great 
He  ran,  and  quenched  with  blood  his  fury's  heat. 

Where  battered  was  the  wall  he  sallied  out, 
And  to  the  field  in  haste  and  heat  he  goes, 
With  him  went  rage  and  fury,  fear  and  doubt 
Remained  behind,  among  his  scattered  foes: 
To  win  the  conquest  strove  his  squadron  stout, 
Which  he  unperfect  left ;  yet  loth  to  lose 
The  day,  the  Christians  fight,  resist  and  die, 
And  ready  were  to  yield,  retire  and  fly. 

The  Gascoign  bands  retired,  but  kept  array, 
The  Syrian  people  ran  away  outright, 
The  fight  was  near  the  place  where  Tancred  lay, 
His  house  was  full  of  noise  and  great  affright, 
He  rose  and  looked  forth  to  see  the  fray, 
Though  every  limb  were  weak,  faint,  void  of  might ; 
He  saw  the  country  lie,  his  men  o'erthrown, 
Some  beaten  back,  some  killed,  some  felled  down. 

Courage  in  noble  hearts  that  ne'er  is  spent, 
Yet  fainted  not,  though  faint  were  every  limb, 
But  reinforced  each  member  cleft  and  rent, 
And  want  of  blood  and  strength  supplied  in  him; 
In  his  left  hand  his  heavy  shield  he  hent, 
Nor  seemed  the  weight  too  great,  his  curtlax  trim 
His  right  hand  drew,  nor  for  more  arms  he  stood 
Or  stayed,  he  needs  no  more  whose  heart  is  good: 


428  TASSO 

But  coming  forth,  cried,  "  Whither  will  you  run, 
And  leave  your  leader  to  his  foes  in  prey  ? 
What !  shall  these  heathen  of  his  armor  won, 
In  their  vile  temples  hang  up  trophies  gay? 
Go  home  to  Gascoign  then,  and  tell  his  son 
That  where  his  father  died,  you  ran  away:" 
This  said,  against  a  thousand  armed  foes, 
He  did  his  breast  weak,  naked,  sick,  oppose. 

And  with  his  heavy,  strong  and  mighty  targe, 
That  with  seven  hard  bulls'  hides  was  surely  lined, 
And  strengthened  with  a  cover  thick  and  large 
Of  stiff  and  well-attempered  steel  behind, 
He  shielded  Raymond  from  the  furious  charge, 
From  swords,  from  darts,  from  weapons  of  each  kind, 
And  all  his  foes  drove  back  with  his  sharp  blade, 
That  sure  and  safe  he  lay,  as  in  a  shade. 

Thus  saved,  thus  shielded,  Raymond  'gan  respire, 
He  rose  and  reared  himself  in  little  space, 
And  in  his  bosom  burned  the  double  fire 
Of  vengeance ;  wrath  his  heart ;  shame  filled  his  face ; 
He  looked  around  to  spy,  such  was  his  ire, 
The  man  whose  stroke  had  laid  him  in  that  place, 
Whom  when  he  sees  not,  for  disdain  he  quakes, 
And  on  his  people  sharp  revengement  takes. 

The  Gascoigns  turn  again,  their  lord  in  haste 
To  venge  their  loss  his  band  recorded  brings, 
The  troop  that  durst  so  much  now  stood  aghast, 
For  where  sad  fear  grew  late,  now  boldness  springs, 
Now  followed  they  that  fled,  fled  they  that  chased; 
So  in  one  hour  altereth  the  state  of  things, 
Raymond  requites  his  loss,  shame,  hurt  and  all, 
And  with  an  hundred  deaths  revenged  one  fall. 

Whilst  Raymond  wreaked  thus  his  just  disdain 
On  the  proud  heads  of  captains,  lords  and  peers, 
He  spies  great  Sion's  king  amid  the  train, 
And  to  him  leaps,  and  high  his  sword  he  rears, 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  429 

And  on  his  forehead  strikes,  and  strikes  again, 
Till  helm  and  head  he  breaks,  he  cleaves,  he  tears ; 
Down  fell  the  king,  the  guiltless  land  he  bit, 
That  now  keeps  him,  because  he  kept  not  it. 

Their  guides,  one  murdered  thus,  the  other  gone, 
The  troops  divided  were  in  diverse  thought, 
Despair  made  some  run  headlong  gainst  their  fone, 
To  seek  sharp  death  that  comes  uncalled,  unsought ; 
And  some,  that  laid  their  hope  on  flight  alone, 
Fled  to  their  fort  again ;  yet  chance  so  wrought, 
That  with  the  flyers  in  the  victors  pass, 
And  so  the  fortress  won  and  conquered  was. 

The  hold  was  won,  slain  were  the  men  that  fled, 
In  courts,  halls,  chambers  high ;  above,  below, 
Old  Raymond  fast  up  to  the  leads  him  sped, 
And  there,  of  victory  true  sign  and  show, 
His  glorious  standard  to  the  wind  he  spread, 
That  so  both  armies  his  success  might  know. 
But  Solyman  saw  not  the  town  was  lost, 
For  far  from  thence  he  was,  and  near  the  host ; 

Into  the  field  he  came,  the  lukewarm  blood 
Did  smoke  and  flow  through  all  the  purple  field, 
There  of  sad  death  the  court  and  palace  stood, 
There  did  he  triumphs  lead,  and  trophies  build; 
An  armed  steed  fast  by  the  Soldan  yood, 
That  had  no  guide,  nor  lord  the  reins  to  wield, 
The  tyrant  took  the  bridle,  and  bestrode 
The  courser's  empty  back,  and  forth  he  rode. 

Great,  yet  but  short  and  sudden  was  the  aid 
That  to  the  Pagans,  faint  and  weak,  he  brought, 
A  thunderbolt  he  was,  you  would  have  said, 
Great,  yet  that  comes  and  goes  as  swift  as  thought 
And  of  his  coming  swift  and  flight  unstayed 
Eternal  signs  in  hardest  rocks  hath  wrought, 
For  by  his  hand  a  hundred  knights  were  slain, 
But  time  forgot  hath  all  their  names  but  twain; 


430  TASSO 

Gildippes  fair,  and  Edward  thy  dear  lord, 
Your  noble  death,  sad  end,  and  woful  fate, 
If  so  much  power  our  vulgar  tongue  afford, 
To  all  strange  wits,  strange  ears  let  me  dilate, 
That  ages  all  your  love  and  sweet  accord, 
Your  virtue,  prowess,  worth  may  imitate, 
And  some  kind  servant  of  true  love  that  hears, 
May  grace  your  death,  my  verses,  with  some  tears. 

The  noble  lady  thither  boldly  flew, 
Where  first  the  Soldan  fought,  and  him  defied, 
Two  mighty  blows  she  gave  the  Turk  untrue, 
One  cleft  his  shield,  the  other  pierced  his  side ; 
The  prince  the  damsel  by  her  habit  knew, 
"  See,  see  this  mankind  strumpet,  see,"  he  cried, 
"  This  shameless  whore,  for  thee  fit  weapons  were 
Thy  neeld  and  spindle,  not  a  sword  and  spear." 

This  said,  full  of  disdain,  rage  and  despite, 
A  strong,  a  fierce,  a  deadly  stroke  he  gave, 
And  pierced  her  armor,  pierced  her  bosom  white, 
Worthy  no  blows,  but  blows  of  love  to  have : 
Her  dying  hand  let  go  the  bridle  quite, 
She  faints,  she  falls,  'twixt  life  and  death  she  strave, 
Her  lord  to  help  her  came,  but  came  too  late, 
Yet  was  not  that  his  fault,  it  was  his  fate. 

What  should  he  do?  to  diverse  parts  him  call 
Just  ire  and  pity  kind,  one  bids  him  go 
And  succor  his  dear  lady,  like  to  fall, 
The  other  calls  for  vengeance  on  his  foe ; 
Love  biddeth  both,  love  says  he  must  do  all, 
And  with  his  ire  joins  grief,  with  pity  woe. 
What  did  he  then  ?  with  his  left  hand  the  knight 
Would  hold  her  up,  revenge  her  with  his  right. 

But  to  resist  against  a  knight  so  bold 
Too  weak  his  will  and  power  divided  were; 
So  that  he  could  not  his  fair  love  uphold, 
Nor  kill  the  cruel  man  that  slew  his  dear. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  431 

His  arm  that  did  his  mistress  kind  enfold, 
The  Turk  cut  off,  pale  grew  his  looks  and  cheer, 
He  let  her  fall,  himself  fell  by  her  side, 
And,  for  he  could  not  save  her,  with  her  died. 

As  the  high  elm,  whom  his  dear  vine  hath  twined 
Fast  in  her  hundred  arms  and  holds  embraced, 
Bears  down  to  earth  his  spouse  and  darling  kind 
If  storm  or  cruel  steel  the  tree  down  cast, 
And  her  full  grapes  to  naught  doth  bruise  and  grind, 
Spoils  his  own  leaves,  faints,  withers,  dies  at  last, 
And  seems  to  mourn  and  die,  not  for  his  own, 
But  for  her  death,  with  him  that  lies  o'erthrown: 

So  fell  he  mourning,  mourning  for  the  dame 

Whom  life  and  death  had  made  forever  his ; 

They  would  have  spoke,  but  not  one  word  could  frame, 

Deep  sobs  their  speech,  sweet  sighs  their  language  is, 

Each  gazed  on  other's  eyes,  and  while  the  same 

Is  lawful,  join  their  hands,  embrace  and  kiss : 

And  thus  sharp  death  their  knot  of  life  untied, 

Together  fainted  they,  together  died. 

But  now  swift  fame  her  nimble  wings  dispread, 
And  told  eachwhere  their  chance,  their  fate,  their  fall, 
Rinaldo  heard  the  case,  by  one  that  fled 
From  the  fierce  Turk  and  brought  him  news  of  all. 
Disdain,  good-will,  woe,  wrath  the  champion  led 
To  take  revenge ;  shame,  grief,  for  vengeance  call ; 
But  as  he  went,  Adrastus  with  his  blade 
Forestalled  the  way,  and  show  of  combat  made. 

The  giant  cried,  "  By  sundry  signs  I  note 
That  whom  I  wish,  I  search;  thou,  thou  art  he, 
I  marked  each  worthy's  shield,  his  helm,  is  coat, 
And  all  this  day  have  called  and  cried  for  thee, 
To  my  sweet  saint  I  have  thy  head  devote, 
Thou  must  my  sacrifice,  my  offering  be, 

Come  let  us  here  our  strength  and  courage  try, 
Thou  art  Armida's  foe,  her  champion  I." 


432  TASSO 

Thus  he  defied  him,  on  his  front  before, 
And  on  his  throat  he  struck  him,  yet  the  blow 
His  helmet  neither  bruised,  cleft  nor  tore, 
But  in  his  saddle  made  him  bend  and  bow; 
Rinaldo  hit  him  on  the  flank  so  sore, 
That  neither  art  nor  herb  could  help  him  now ; 
Down  fell  the  giant  strong,  one  blow  such  power, 
Such  puissance  had ;   so  falls  a  thundered  tower. 

With  horror,  fear,  amazedness  and  dread, 
Cold  were  the  hearts  of  all  that  saw  the  fray, 
And  Solyman,  that  viewed  that  noble  deed, 
Trembled,  his  paleness  did  his  fear  bewray; 
For  in  that  stroke  he  did  his  end  areed, 
He  wist  not  what  to  think,  to  do,  to  say, 
A  thing  in  him  unused,  rare  and  strange, 
But  so  doth  heaven  men's  hearts  turn,  alter,  change. 

As  when  the  sick  or  frantic  men  oft  dream 
In  their  unquiet  sleep  and  slumber  short, 
And  think  they  run  some  speedy  course,  and  seem 
To  move  their  legs  and  feet  in  hasty  sort, 
Yet  feel  their  limbs  far  slower  than  the  stream 
Of  their  vain  thoughts  that  bears  them  in  this  sport, 
And  oft  would  speak,  would  cry,  would  call  or  shout, 
Yet  neither  sound,  nor  voice,  nor  word  send  out: 

So  run  to  flight  the  angry  Soldan  would, 
And  did  enforce  his  strength,  his  might,  his  ire, 
Yet  felt  not  in  himself  his  courage  old, 
His  wonted  force,  his  rage  and  hot  desire, 
His  eyes,  that  sparkled  wrath  and  fury  bold, 
Grew  dim  and  feeble,  fear  had  quenched  that  fire 
And  in  his  heart  an  hundred  passions  fought, 
Yet  none  on  fear  or  base  retire  he  thought. 

While  unresolved  he  stood,  the  victor  knight 
Arrived,  and  seemed  in  quickness,  haste  and  speed, 
In  boldness,  greatness,  goodliness  and  might, 
Above  all  princes  born  of  human  seed : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  433 

The  Turk  small  while  resists,  not  death  nor  fight 
Made  him  forget  his  state  or  race,  through  dreed, 
He  fled  no  strokes,  he  fetched  no  groan  nor  sigh, 
Bold  were  his  motions  last,,  proud,  stately,  high. 

Now  when  the  Soldan,  in  these  battles  past 

That  Antheus-like  oft  fell  oft  rose  again, 

Evermore  fierce,  more  fell,  fell  down  at  last 

To  lie  forever,  when  this  prince  was  slain, 

Fortune,  that  seld  is  stable,  firm  or  fast, 

No  longer  durst  resist  the  Christian  train, 

But  ranged  herself  in  row  with  Godfrey's  knights, 
With  them  she  serves,  she  runs,  she  rides,  she  fights. 

The  Pagan  troops,  the  king's  own  squadron  fled, 

Of  all  the  east,  the  strength,  the  pride,  the  flower, 

Late  called  Immortal,  now  discomfited, 

It  lost  that  title  proud,  and  lost  all  power; 

To  him  that  with  the  royal  standard  fled, 

Thus  Emireno  said,  with  speeches  sour, 
"  Art  not  thou  he  to  whom  to  bear  I  gave 
My  king's  great  banner,  and  his  standard  brave  ? 

"  This  ensign,  Rimedon,  I  gave  not  thee 

To  be  the  witness  of  thy  fear  and  flight, 

Coward,  dost  thou  thy  lord  and  captain  see 

In  battle  strong,  and  runn'st  thyself  from  fight? 

What  seek'st  thou?  safety?  come,  return  with  me, 

The  way  to  death  is  path  to  virtue  right, 

Here  let  him  fight  that  would  escape ;  for  this 

The  way  to  honor,  way  to  safety  is." 

The  man  returned  and  swelled  with  scorn  and  shame, 
The  duke  with  speeches  grave  exhorts  the  rest ; 
He  threats,  he  strikes  sometime,  till  back  they  came, 
And  rage  gainst  force,  despair  gainst  death  addressed. 
Thus  of  his  broken  armies  gan  he  frame 
A  battle  now,  some  hope  dwelt  in  his  breast, 
But  Tisiphernes  bold  revived  him  most, 
Who  fought  and  seemed  to  win,  when  all  was  lost ; 


434  TASSO 

Wonders  that  day  wrought  noble  Tisipherne, 

The  hardy  Normans  all  he  overthrew; 

The  Flemings  fled  before  the  champion  stern, 

Gernier,  Rogero,  Gerard  bold  he  slew ; 

His  glorious  deeds  to  praise  and  fame  etern 

His  life's  short  date  prolonged,  enlarged  and  drew, 
And  then,  as  he  that  set  sweet  life  at  nought, 
The  greatest  peril,  danger,  most  he  sought. 

He  spied  Rinaldo,  and  although  his  field 
Of  azure  purple  now  and  sanguine  shows, 
And  though  the  silver  bird  amid  his  shield 
Were  armed  gules ;  yet  he  the  champion  knows, 
And  says,  "  Here  greatest  peril  is,  heavens  yield 
Strength  to  my  courage,  fortune  to  my  blows, 
That  fair  Armida  her  revenge  may  see, 
Help,  Macon,  for  his  arms  I  vow  to  thee." 

Thus  prayed  he,  but  all  his  vows  were  vain, 
Mahound  was  deaf,  or  slept  in  heavens  above, 
And  as  a  lion  strikes  him  with  his  train, 
His  native  wrath  to  quicken  and  to  move, 
So  he  awaked  his  fury  and  disdain, 
And  sharped  his  courage  on  the  whetstone  love; 
Himself  he  saved  behind  his  mighty  targe, 
And  forward  spurred  his  steed  and  gave  the  charge. 

The  Christian  saw  the  hardy  warrior  come, 
And  leaped  forth  to  undertake  the  fight, 
The  people  round  about  gave  place  and  room, 
And  wondered  on  that  fierce  and  cruel  sight, 
Some  praised  their  strength,  their  skill  and  courage  some, 
Such  and  so  desperate  blows  struck  either  knight, 
That  all  that  saw  forgot  both  ire  and  strife, 
Their  wounds,  their  hurts,  forgot  both  death  and  life. 

One  struck,  the  other  did  both  strike  and  wound, 
His  arms  were  surer,  and  his  strength  was  more; 
From  Tisipherne  the  blood  streamed  down  around, 
His  shield  was  cleft,  his  helm  was  rent  and  tore. 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  435 

The  dame,  that  saw  his  blood  besmear  the  ground, 
His  armor  broke,  limbs  weak,  wounds  deep  and  sore, 
And  all  her  guard  dead,  fled,  and  overthrown, 
Thought,  now  her  field  lay  waste,  her  hedge  lay  down: 

Environed  with  so  brave  a  troop  but  late, 
Now  stood  she  in  her  chariot  all  alone, 
She  feared  bondage,  and  her  life  did  hate, 
All  hope  of  conquest  and  revenge  was  gone, 
Half  mad  and  half  amazed  from  where  she  sate, 
She  leaped  down,  and  fled  from  friends  and  fone, 
On  a  swift  horse  she  mounts,  and  forth  she  rides 
Alone,  save  for  disdain  and  love,  her  guides. 

In  days  of  old,  Queen  Cleopatra  so 

Alone  fled  from  the  fight  and  cruel  fray, 

Against  Augustus  great  his  happy  foe, 

Leaving  her  lord  to  loss  and  sure  decay. 

And  as  that  lord  for  love  let  honor  go, 

Followed  her  flying  sails  and  lost  the  day : 
So  Tisipherne  the  fair  and  fearful  dame 
Would  follow,  but  his  foe  forbids  the  same. 

But  when  the  Pagan's  joy  and  comfort  fled, 
It  seemed  the  sun  was  set,  the  day  was  night, 
Gainst  the  brave  prince  with  whom  he  combated 
He  turned,  and  on  the  forehead  struck  the  knight: 
When  thunders  forged  are  in  Typhoius'  bed, 
Not  Brontes'  hammer  falls  so  swift,  so  right; 
The  furious  stroke  fell  on  Rinaldo's  crest, 
And  made  him  bend  his  head  down  to  his  breast 

The  champion  in  his  stirrups  high  upstart, 
And  cleft  his  hauberk  hard  and  tender  side, 
And  sheathed  his  weapon  in  the  Pagan's  heart, 
The  castle  where  man's  life  and  soul  do  bide; 
The  cruel  sword  his  breast  and  hinder  part 
With  double  wound  unclosed,  and  opened  wide; 
And  two  large  doors  made  for  his  life  and  breath, 

(Which  passed,  and  cured  hot  love  with  frozen  death. 

Classics.     Vol.   35— T 


436  TASSO 

This  done,  Rinaldo  stayed  and  looked  around, 
Where  he  should  harm  his  foes,  or  help  his  friends; 
Nor  of  the  Pagans  saw  he  squadron  sound: 
Each  standard  falls,  ensign  to  earth  descends ; 
His  fury  quiet  then  and  calm  he  found, 
There  all  his  wrath,  his  rage,  and  rancor  ends, 

He  called  to  mind  how,  far  from  help  or  aid, 

Armida  fled,  alone,  amazed,  afraid: 

Well  saw  he  when  she  fled,  and  with  that  sight 

The  prince  had  pity,  courtesy  and  care; 

He  promised  her  to  be  her  friend  and  knight 

When  erst  he  left  her  in  the  island  bare : 

The  way  she  fled  he  ran  and  rode  aright, 

Her  palfrey's  feet  signs  in  the  grass  outware: 
But  she  this  while  found  out  an  ugly  shade, 
Fit  place  for  death,  where  naught  could  life  persuade. 

Well  pleased  was  she  with  those  shadows  brown, 
And  yet  displeased  with  luck,  with  life,  with  love ; 
There  from  her  steed  she  lighted,  there  laid  down 
Her  bow  and  shafts,  her  arms  that  helpless  prove. 
"  There  lie  with  shame,"  she  says,  "  disgraced,  o'erthrown, 
Blunt  are  the  weapons,  blunt  the  arms  I  move, 
Weak  to  revenge  my  harms,  or  harm  my  foe, 
My  shafts  are  blunt,  ah,  love,  would  thine  were  so ! 

"  Alas,  among  so  many,  could  not  one, 
Not  one  draw  blood,  one  wound  or  rend  his  skin? 
All  other  breasts  to  you  are  marble  stone, 
Dare  you  then  pierce  a  woman's  bosom  thin? 
See,  see,  my  naked  heart,  on  this  alone 
Employ  your  force  this  fort  is  eath  to  win, 

And  love  will  shoot  you  from  his  mighty  bow, 
Weak  is  the  shot  that  dripile  falls  in  snow. 

"  I  pardon  will  your  fear  and  weakness  past, 
Be  strong,  mine  arrows,  cruel,  sharp,  gainst  me, 
Ah,  wretch,  how  is  thy  chance  and  fortune  cast, 
If  placed  in  these  thy  good  and  comfort  be  ?  • 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  437 

But  since  all  hope  is  vain  all  help  is  waste, 

Since  hurts  ease  hurts,  wounds  must  cure  wounds  in  thee ; 
Then  with  thine  arrow's  stroke  cure  stroke  of  love, 
Death  for  thy  heart  must  salve  and  surgeon  prove. 

"  And  happy  me  if,  being  dead  and  slain, 
I  bear  not  with  me  this  strange  plague  to  hell: 
Love,  stay  behind,  come  thou  with  me  disdain, 
And  with  my  wronged  soul  forever  dwell; 
Or  else  with  it  turn  to  the  world  again 
And  vex  that  knight  with  dreams  and  visions  fell, 
And  tell  him,  when  twixt  life  and  death  I  strove, 
My  last  wish,  was  revenge — last  word,  was  love." 

And  with  that  word  half  mad,  half  dead,  she  seems, 
An  arrow,  poignant,  strong  and  sharp  she  took, 
When  her  dear  knight  found  her  in  these  extremes, 
Now  fit  to  die,  and  pass  the  Stygian  brook, 
Now  prest  to  quench  her  own  and  beauty's  beams ; 
Now  death  sat  on  her  eyes,  death  in  her  look, 
When  to  her  back  he  stepped,  and  stayed  her  arm 
Stretched  forth  to  do  that  service  last,  last  harm. 

She  turns  and,  ere  she  knows,  her  lord  she  spies, 
Whose  coming  was  unwished,  unthought,  unknown, 
She  shrieks,  and  twines  away  her  'sdainful  eyes 
From  his  sweet  face,  she  falls  dead  in  a  swoon, 
Falls  as  a  flower  half  cut,  that  bending  lies : 
He  held  her  up,  and  lest  she  tumble  down, 
Under  her  tender  side  his  arm  he  placed, 
His  hand  her  girdle  loosed,  her  gown  unlaced ; 

And  her  fair  face,  fair  bosom  he  bedews 

With  tears,  tears  of  remorse,  of  ruth,  of  sorrow. 

As  the  pale  rose  her  color  lost  renews 

With  the  fresh  drops  fallen  from  the  silver  morrow, 

So  she  revives,  and  cheeks  empurpled  shows 

Moist  with  their  own  tears  and  with  tears  they  borrow ; 

Thrice  looked  she  up,  her  eyes  thrice  closed  she ; 

As  who  say,  "  Let  me  die,  ere  look  on  thet." 


438  TASSO 

And  his  strong  arm,  with  weak  and  feeble  hand 
She  would  have  thrust  away,  loosed  and  untwined : 
Oft  strove  she,  but  in  vain,  to  break  that  band, 
For  he  the  hold  he  got  not  yet  resigned, 
Herself  fast  bound  in  those  dear  knots  she  fand, 
Dear,  though  she  feigned  scorn,  strove  and  repined : 

At  last  she  speaks,  she  weeps,  complains  and  cries; 

Yet  durst  not,  did  not,  would  not  see  his  eyes. 

"  Cruel  at  thy  departure,  at  return 
As  cruel,  say,  what  chance  thee  hither  guideth, 
Would'st  thou  prevent  her  death  whose  heart  forlorn 
For  thee,  for  thee  death's  strokes  each  hour  divideth  ? 
Com'st  thou  to  save  my  life?  alas,  what  scorn, 
What  torment  for  Armida  poor  abideth  ? 
No,  no,  thy  crafts  and  sleights  I  well  descry, 
But  she  can  little  do  that  cannot  die. 

"  Thy  triumph  is  not  great  nor  well  arrayed 
Unless  in  chains  thou  lead  a  captive  dame : 
A  dame  now  ta'en  by  force,  before  betrayed, 
This  is  thy  greatest  glory,  greatest  fame : 
Time  was  that  thee  of  love  and  life  I  prayed, 
Let  death  now  end  my  love,  my  life,  my  shame, 
Yet  let  not  thy  false  hand  bereave  this  breath. 
For  if  it  were  thy  gift,  hateful  were  death. 

"  Cruel,  myself  an  hundred  ways  can  find, 
To  rid  me  from  thy  malice,  from  thy  hate, 
If  weapons  sharp,  if  poisons  of  all  kind, 
If  fire,  if  strangling  fail,  in  that  estate, 
Yet  ways  enough  I  know  to  stop  this  wind: 
A  thousand  entries  hath  the  house  of  fate. 

Ah,  leave  these  flatteries,  leave  weak  hope  to  move, 
Cease,  cease,  my  hope  is  dead,  dead  is  my  love." 

Thus  mourned  she,  and  from  her  watery  eyes 
Disdain  and  love  dropped  down,  rolled  up  in  tears ; 
From  his  pure  fountains  ran  two  streams  likewise. 
Wherein  chaste  pity  and  mild  ruth  appears : 


JERUSALEM   DELIVERED  439 

Thus  with  sweet  words  the  queen  he  pacifies, 

"  Madam,  appease  your  grief,  your  wrath,  your  fears, 

For  to  be  crowned,  not  scorned,  your  life  I  save; 

Your  foe  nay,  but  your  friend,  your  knight,  your  slave. 

"  But  if  you  trust  no  speech,  no  oath,  no  word ; 
Yet  in  mine  eyes,  my  zeal,  my  truth  behold : 
For  to  that  throne,  whereof  thy  sire  was  lord, 
I  will  restore  thee,  crown  thee  with  that  gold, 
And  if  high  Heaven  would  so  much  grace  afford 
As  from  thy  heart  this  cloud  this  veil  unfold 
Of  Paganism,  in  all  the  east  no  dame 
Should  equalize  thy  fortune,  state  and  fame.'* 

Thus  plaineth  he,  thus  prays,  and  his  desire 
Endears  with  sighs  that  fly  and  tears  that  fall ; 
That  as  against  the  warmth  of  Titan's  fire, 
Snowdrifts  consume  on  tops  of  mountains  tall, 
So  melts  her  wrath ;  but  love  remains  entire. 
"  Behold,"  she  says,  "  your  handmaid  and  your  thrall : 
My  life,  my  crown,  my  wealth  use  at  your  pleasure ;  " 
Thus  death  her  life  became,  loss  proved  her  treasure. 

Thiswhile  the  captain  of  the  Egyptian  host, — 
That  saw  his  royal  standard  laid  on  ground, 
Saw  Rimedon,  that  ensign's  prop  and  post, 
By  Godfrey's  noble  hand  killed  with  one  wound, 
And  all  his  folk  discomfit,  slain  and  lost, — 
No  coward  was  in  this  last  battle  found, 

But  rode  about  and  sought,  nor  sought  in  vain, 
Some  famous  hand  of  which  he  might  be  slain; 

Against  Lord  Godfrey  boldly  out  he  flew, 
For  nobler  foe  he  wished  not,  could  not  spy, 
Of  desperate  courage  showed  he  tokens  true, 
Where'er  he  joined,  or  stayed,  or  passed  by, 
And  cried  to  the  Duke  as  near  he  drew, 
"  Behold  of  thy  strong  hand  I  come  to  die, 
Yet  trust  to  overthrow  thee  with  my  fall, 
My  castle's  ruins  shall  break  down  thy  wall." 


440  TASSO 

This  said,  forth  spurred  they  both,  both  high  advance 
Their  swords  aloft,  both  struck  at  once,  both  hit, 
His  left  arm  wounded  had  the  knight  of  France, 
His  shield  was  pierced,  his  vantbrace  cleft  and  split, 
The  Pagan  backward  fell,  half  in  a  trance, 
On  his  left  ear  his  foe  so  hugely  smit, 

And  as  he  sought  to  rise,  Godfredo's  sword 
Pierced  him  through,  so  died  that  army's  lord. 

Of  his  great  host,  when  Emiren  was  dead, 
Fled  the  small  remnant  that,  alive  remained ; 
Godfrey  espied  as  he  turned  his  steed, 
Great  Altamore  on  foot,  with  blood  all  stained, 
With  half  a  sword,  half  helm  upon  his  head, 
Gainst  whom  a  hundred  fought,  yet  not  one  gained. 
"Cease,cease  this  strife," he  cried: "and  thou, brave  knight, 
Yield,  I  am  Godfrey,  yield  thee  to  my  might !  " 

He  that  till  then  his  proud  and  haughty  heart 

To  act  of  humbleness  did  never  bend, 

When  that  great  name  he  heard,  from  the  north  part 

Of  our  wide  world  renowned  to  ^Ethiop's  end, 

Answered,  "  I  yield  to  thee,  thou  worthy  art, 

I  am  thy  prisoner,  fortune  is  thy  friend : 

On  Altamoro  great  thy  conquest  bold 

Of  glory  shall  be  rich,  and  rich  of  gold : 

"  My  loving  queen,  my  wife  and  lady  kind 
Shall  ransom  me  with  jewels,  gold  and  treasure." 
"  God  shield,"  quoth  Godfrey,  "  that  my  noble  mind 
Should  praise  and  virtue  so  by  profit  measure, 
All  that  thou  hast  from  Persia  and  from  Inde 
Enjoy  it  still,  therein  I  take  no  pleasure ; 
I  set  no  rent  on  life,  no  price  on  blood, 
I  fight,  and  sell  not  war  for  gold  or  good." 

This  said,  he  gave  him  to  his  knights  to  keep 
And  after  those  that  fled  his  course  he  bent ; 
They  to  their  rampiers  fled  and  trenches  deep, 
Yet  could  not  so  death's  cruel  stroke  prevent : 


JERUSALEM    DELIVERED  441 

The  camp  was  won,  and  all  in  blood  doth  steep 
The  blood  in  rivers  streamed  from  tent  to  tent, 
It  soiled,  defiled,  defaced  all  the  prey, 
Shields,  helmets,  armors,  plumes  and  feathers  gay. 

Thus  conquered  Godfrey,  and  as  yet  the  sun 

Dived  not  in  silver  waves  his  golden  wain, 

But  daylight  served  him  to  the  fortress  won 

With  his  victorious  host  to  turn  again, 

His  bloody  coat  he  put  not  off,  but  run 

To  the  high  temple  with  his  noble  train, 
And  there  hung  up  his  arms,  and  there  he  bows 
His  knees,  there  prayed,  and  there  performed  his  vows. 


A 


GLOSSARY 

[Roman  figures  indicate  the  Book,  Arabic  figures  the  stanza,  in  which 
a  word  occurs,} 

'Abraid  (xiii.  50;  xvi.  31),  started  suddenly. 
Algates  (iii.  42;  iv.  60),  by  all  means. 
Aneath  (viii.  12),  below. 
Anmail  (xxii.  42),  enamel. 
Apayed  (ix.  5),  satisfied. 
Arrear  (ix.  95),  behind. 

'Beaver  (ii.  48),  the  lower  part  of  the  helmet,  in  front 

Been  (i.  20,  and  frequent  throughout),  are. 

Besprent  (viii.  52),  besprinkled. 

Bewray  (ii.  10;  vi.  95;  xiv.  36),  disclose. 

Bield  (xvi.  49),  shelter. 

Brast  (ii.  27),       \  . 

Brust  (xvii.  44),  »  burSt 

Brent  (ii.  53),  burnt. 

Busked  them  (ix.  20),  made  themselves  ready.    Busked  him  (ix.  49), 

made  himself  ready.     [The  old  Scandinavian  reflexive  was  already 

in  the  suffix  "  sk."J 

Carknet  (xv.  5),  carcanet,  collar  of  jewels. 
Coast  (xi.  59;  xviii.  102),  side. 
Cobbles  (xx.  20),  small  round  stones. 
Cogg  (xiv.  58),  small  boat,  "  cock  "-boat 
Congee,  to  take  (ii.  98;  viii.  42),  to  take  leave. 

Cornet  (xiii.  68),  a  troop  of  horse  [because  accompanied  with  a  bugle]. 
Curtlax    (vii.  88)     [curtle  axe,  no  axe,  but  sword;  Ital.  coltellaccio], 
cutlass. 

Deal  (ix.  72),  part,  division. 

Defoiled  (viii.  60),  defiled. 

Depart  (xi.  31),  divide. 

Dictamnum  (xi.  72),  the  herb  dittany. 

Dight  (ii.  5,  32;  iii.  3;  xi.  14;  xv.  2;  xviii.  26),  arrayed,  dressed,  pre- 
pared. 

"Dormant  (xviii.  80),  a  large  fixed  beam,  as  the  large  beam  across  a 
room. 

'Dripile  (xx.  124),  by  little  drops,  dribbling,  weakly. 

Duke  (throughout),  for  Dux,  Leader. 

443 


444  TASSO 

Earned  (i.  48),  yearned. 

Eath  (ii.  46;  iv.  83;  xi.  53;  xiii.  66;  xviii.  32,  73;  xix.  6i;  xx.  124),  easy, 

easily. 

Eftsoons  (vL  64),  immediately. 
Eild  (iv.  44;  viii.  6;  xvii.  ii),  age. 
Emprise  (ii.  77,  83),  enterprise. 
Eyne  (x.  73),  eyes. 

Fand  (viii.  8),  found. 
Fared  (vi.  27),  went. 
F/<?<?/  (x.  62),  float. 
Forced  not  (ix.  76),  cared  not  about 
For  lore  (vii.  i),  lost. 
Fornenst  (xv.  15),  opposite  to. 
For  thy  (xiv.  28),  for  that,  therefore. 

Frushed  (viii.  23,  48,  49),  bruised,  battered  to  pieces.  [French, 
froisser.] 

Can  (ii.  I,  10,  57,  and  throughout  the  poem),  began,  an  auxiliary  that 
gave  an  inceptive  sense  to  verbs. 

Garamants  (xiii.  14),  a  people  of  Africa,  named  by  Herodotus.  The 
Garamantes  were,  probably,  in  the  parts  now  called  Fezzan. 

Girdling-stead  (xx.  33),  part  of  the  body  round  which  the  girdle  is 
fastened. 

Cite  (xiii.  54),  gown. 

Clave  and  glaive  (i.  50;  ix.  8),  sword. 

Greaves  (iii.  6),  groves. 

Greet  (xii.  94),  stones,  with  reference  to  their  grain  or  texture.  Fair- 
fax's "  of  varied  Spartan  greet "  is  his  translation  of  Tasso's  "  di 
riche  pietre  elette." 

Guie  (x.  9,  33),  guide. 

Hags  (viii.  41),  small  woods,  originally  divisions  of  a  forest  marked 

out  to  be  cut. 

Hent  (vii.  102;  ix.  74;  xii.  18,  34;  xix.  42),  seized. 
Hight  (ii.  16),  was  named. 
Holt  (iii.  6;  viii.  12),  wood. 

Impeach  (xi.  52),  hinder. 
Ipight  (i.  48),  pitched,  fixed. 

Keep,  take  keep  (xiv.  60;  xv.  12),  take  heed. 
Kest  (iii.  21;  xii.  i),  cast. 

Kind  (xiv.  42,  48,  64;  xv.  46;  xvi.  69;  xix.  35),  the  old  English  word 
for  Nature. 

Leden  (xvi.  13),  speech. 

Lere  (xii.  40),  teach. 

Let  (iv.  2),  hinderance;  (xii.  37,  65),  hinder,  hindered. 

Lite  (xi.  26),  little. 


GLOSSARY  445 

Macon,  throughout,  is,  like  Mahound,  an  old  English  form  for  Mahomet 

Main  (xi.  81),  strength. 

Met  (xv.  39),  meted,  measured. 

Mew  (viii.  41),  any  close  place.    Originally  the  place  in  which  hawks 

were  shut  up  while  they  were  "  mewing,"  or  changing  their  plumage. 

Mews  (ii.  39). 
Mister  (iv.  28),  kind  of  [French,  mestifr] ;  "  what  mister  wight,"  what 

kind  of  being. 

Nor  (ii.  88),  nearer.    So  Spenser — 

"  To  kirk  the  nar,  from  God  more  far, 
Has  been  an  old-said  saw." 

Nere  (xii.  81),  were  not. 

Nill  (xiii.  14),  will  not. 

Nolt  (xviii.  50),  know  not;  for  "  not,"  "  ne  wot,"  with  the  /  inserted  by 

false  analogy. 
Nould  (x.  61;  xi.  55;  xiii.  17,  41,  70),  would  not 

Object  (xi.  22),  put  forward. 
On  live  (viii.  23),  alive. 
On  sleep  (iv.  92),  asleep. 
Owe  (iii.  73),  own. 

Pentise,  pentice  (xi.  13;  xviil  71,  74),  and  overhanging  shelter,  built 
against  a  wall  as  "  appendicium  "  appendage.  The  old  word  "  pen- 
tice "  has  been  corrupted  into  penthouse.  Penticle  (xviii.  74), 
diminutive  of  "  pentice." 

Ports  (iii.  12),  gates. 

Prfsl  (x.  13 ;  xi.  17 ;  xvii.  49 ;  xviii.  I ;  xx.  5,  28,  29,  127),  ready.  [French, 
frft.] 

Punchions  (xviii.  43),  large  casks. 

Quarrel,  quarry  (iii.  51 ;  xx.  18),  the  square  bolt  shot  from  a  crossbow. 
Quits  (ii.  36),  requites,  pay. 

Railed  (iii.  30),  rolled. 

Recure  (viii.  22),  recovery. 

Rew  (xvii.  75),  row. 

Rory  (iv.  75),  dewy. 

Rout  (riii.  63 ;  xvii.  81,  86),  a  company,  or  large  number  of  people. 

Scoldercd  (xviii.  85),  scorched. 

Seely  (xii.  33,  78),  simple,  innocent 

Sell  (vi.  32),  saddle. 

Shallop  (xv.  6),  sloop,  light  boat. 

Shtnd,  shent  (L  6;  xvi.  30),  put  to  shame. 

Signorise  (xiii.  53),  hold  lordship. 

Smook  (i.  22),  smack,  taste;  or  perhaps  smoke,  vapor. 

Soun  (i.  73),  sound. 


44$  TASSO 

Sout  (xv.  46),  sweet. 

Spright  (v.  52),  sprite,  spirit;  the  spelling  retained  in  "  sprightly." 

Spring  (xiii.  23,  31,  35),  a  wood. 

Stound  (xix.  27),  space  of  time. 

Stowre  (i.  55;  ii.  38;  xii.  15,  49),  tumult,  conflict. 

Strouting  (ix.  8),  spreading  out.     Said  by  Fairfax  of  mustaches,  as 

Chaucer  said  of  a  man's  hair  that  it  "  strouted  as  a  fanne  large  and 

brode." 
Studs  (xviii.  43),  the  timber  uprights,  between  which  stones  or  plaster 

were  used  in  making  walls. 

Tapished  (vii.  2),  hidden  [a  hunting  term], 

Teen  (xi.  68),  vexation. 

Than  (viii.  3),  then. 

Tout,  toot  (x.  59,  xiv.  66),  look  searchingly;  "  Narcissus  tooting  in  his 
spring." 

To  ...  ward  (viii.  31  and  elsewhere),  as  "to  the  heavens  ward" 
for  "  toward  the  heavens." 

Trigons  (ii.  51),  triangular  formations. 

Truckmen  (xx.  24),  interpreters.  "  Trucheman  "  was  a  French  corrup- 
tion of  "  dragoman." 

Uncouth  (xiv.  28),  unknown. 

Uneath  (v.  86;  xii.  57;  xx.  39),  not  easily. 

Unwroken  (viii.  66),  unavenged. 

Ure  (iii.  32),  bull,  ure-ox.     [Latin,  urus.} 

Vail  (ii.  48),  lower. 

Vamure  (xi.  64),  for  "  avantmur,"  the  outwork  for  defence  of  a  wall. 
Vantbrace  (xx.  139),  for  "  avantbras,"  armor  to  protect  the  arm. 
Venial  (vi.  7),  the  movable  front  to  the  helmet  which  covered  the  face, 
and  enabled  the  wearer  to  breathe. 

Wanted  (viii.  53),  was  wanting. 

Warraid  (i.  6),  made  war  upon. 

Weed  (iv.  94),  dress. 

Wend  (vi.  109),  for  weened,  supposed,  thought. 

Windlays  (xiv.  34),  sudden  turns  and  windings  of  a  skater. 

Wist  (v.  85;  ix.  2),  knew. 

Won,  wone  (i.  44;  xii.  33;  xvi.  67),  inhabit.    Wonned  (xv.  26). 

Wone  (xvi.  28),  custom. 

Wonts  (xi.  20),  is  accustomed. 

Wood  (xii.  34,  83),  mad. 

Wot  (v.  48;  xiv.  50),  know.     Wotest  (x.  45). 

K-  (or  -»'),  a  prefix  representing  the  old  "  ge-"  before  past  participles. 
Ybore  (x.  23,  39),  born. 

Yode  (xiv.  23),  yood  (xix.  31),  went,  from  First  English  "code." 
Ypend,  ypent  (vi.  5;  x.  40),  penned  in. 


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